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JC-NRLF 


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Officers  of 


STEWART 


FIFTH  EDITION,  REVISED  AND  ENLARGED, 

Handbook  for 

Noncommissioned  Officers 

of  Infantry 

By 
CAPTAIN  M.  B.  STEWART 

8th  U.  S.  Infantry 


FRANKLIN  HUDSON  PUBLISHING  CO. 
KANSAS  CITY,  Mo. 


Copyrighted,  1903,  by 

HUDSON -KIMBERLY  PUBLISHING  Co. 

KANSAS  CITY,  Mo. 


Copyrighted,  1905,  by 

FKANKLIN  HUDSON  PUBLISHING  Co. 

KANSAS  CITY,  Mo. 


Copyrighted,  1909,  by 

FRANKLIN  HUDSON  PUBLISHING  Co. 

KANSAS  CITY,   Mo. 


Copyrighted,  1916,  by 

FRANKLIN  HUDSON  PUBLISHING  Co. 

KANSAS  CITY,  Mo. 


TABLE  OP  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Paragraph.      Page. 
Noncommissioned  Officer 1—22  7 

CHAPTER  II. 
3  Noncommissioned  Officer  as  Instructor 23-37  ll 

CHAPTER  III. 
"•'  he  Noncommisioned  Officer  as  Guide 38-78  1 3 

CHAPTER  IV. 
The  Noncommissioned  Officer  in  Extended  Order  _  79-1 13  21 

CHAPTER  V. 
Advance  and  Rear  Guard  Duty 1 14-141  2  7 

CHAPTER  VI. 
The    Noncommissioned    Officer  in  »  Command    of 

Patrols 142-173  35 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Escorts 1 74-2 14  41 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
Outpost  Duty 215-243  52 

CHAPTER  IX. 
The  First  Sergeant ' 244-274  59 

CHAPTER  X. 
The  Company  Quartermaster  Sergeant ; 275-289  74 

CHAPTER  XI. 

The  Noncommissioned  Officer  in  Charge  of  Quar- 
ters   290-303  7  7 

371704 


4  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Paragraph.       Page. 
The  Sergeant  of  the  Guard 304-379  79 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
The  Corporal  of  the  Guard 380-423  9 1 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
The  Regimental  Sergeant-Major 1-25  99 

CHAPTER  XV. 
The  Chief  Musician .. 1-6  106 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
The  Drum-Major 1-28  108 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
The  Color  Sergeant 1-15  116 

CHAPTER  XVIII., 
The  Provost  Sergeant 1-8  121 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
The  Regimental  Commissary  Sergeant 1—4  123 

CHAPTER  XX. 
The  Regimental  Quartermaster  Sergeant 1-7  127 


INTRODUCTORY. 

The  Handbook  for  the  Noncommissioned  Officer  of  Infantry  is 
a  compilation  drawn  in  great  part  from  the  Army  Regulations, 
Infantry  Drill  Regulations,  Manual  of  Guard  Duty,  U.  S.  Army, 
"The  Service  of  Security  and  Information"  and  "Organization  and 
Tactics,"  by  Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant-Gen- 
eral, U.  S.  Army. 

Those  chapters  not  drawn  from  either  of  these  sources  are  merely 
outlines  of  the  various  duties  which  noncommissioned  officers  are 
called  upon  to  perform,  and  which,  in  the  absence  of  manuals,  have 
been  more  or  less  traditional. 

The  Handbook  is  not  designed  to  replace  any  of  the  above 
manuals,  but  to  assist  the  noncommissioned  officer  in  the  study  of 
all  by  placing  before  him  in  brief  and  compact  order  a  compre- 
hensive idea  of  the  scope  of  his  duties  and  responsibilities. 

The  various  chapters  cover  all  the  duties  which  the  noncom- 
sioned  officer  of  the  line  of  infantry  will  ordinarily  be  called  upon 
to  perform,  and  the  points  touched  upon  are  those  most  important 
and  essential  to  the  proper  performance  of  those  duties. 

It  is  designed  for  use  in  the  schools  of  the  noncommissioned 
officer  and  for  the  study  especially  of  newly  appointed  and  inex- 
perienced noncommissioned  officers. 

The  author  is  indebted  to  the  late  Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,  U.  S.  Army,  for  permission  to  use  his 
works  and  plates  on  the  subjects  of  "The  Service  of  Security  and 
Information"  and  "Organization  and  Tactics,"  both  of  which  books 
have  been  extensively  drawn  upon;  also  to  Major  Chase  W.  Ken- 
nedy, Adjutant-General's  Department,  for  many  valuable  sugges- 
tions and  much  valuable  criticism. 


CHAPTER  I. 
THE  NONCOMMISSIONED  OFFICER. 

1.  The  noncommissioned  officer  is  selected  from  the  enlisted 
men  of  the  company,  for  his  character,  intelligence,  efficiency,  and 
soldierly  bearing,  to  assist  the  commissioned  officer  in  the  instruc- 
tion, discipline,  and  care  of  the  other  enlisted  men. 

2.  He  holds  his  rank  and  exercises  authority  within  certain 
limits  by  virtue  of  a  warrant. 

3.  Noncommissioned  officers  will  be  carefully  selected  and  in- 
structed, and  always  supported  by  the  company  commanders  in 
the  proper  performance  of  their  duties.     They  will  not  be  detailed 
for  any  duty  or  permitted  to  engage  in  any  occupation  inconsistent 
with  their  rank  and  position.     Officers  will  be  cautious  in  reproving 
them  in  the  presence  or  hearing  of  private  soldiers.     A.  R.  270. 

4.  Company  noncommissioned  officers  are  appointed  by  the 
regimental  commander,  or  by  the  battalion  commander  under  cer- 
tain conditions,   on  the  recommendation  of  their  company  com- 
manders;   but  in  no  case  will  any  company  organization  have  an 
excess  of  noncommissioned   officers   above  that  allowed    by  law. 
A.  R.  271. 

5.  The  number  of  noncommissioned  officers  allowed  by  law 
for  any  company  varies  with  the  authorized  strength  of  the  com- 
pany, and  is  announced  from  time  to  time  in  general  orders.     In 
general,  however,  the  noncommissioned  officers  of  a  company  of 
infantry  consist  of  one  first  sergeant,  one  quartermaster  sergeant, 
from  four  to  six  sergeants,  and  from  six  to  ten  corporals. 

6.  To  test  the  capacity  of  privates  for  the  duties  of  noncom- 
missioned   officers,    company    commanders    may    appoint    lance- 
corporals,  who  will  be  obeyed  and  respected  as  corporals,  but  no 
company  shall  have  more  than  one  lance-corporal  at  a  time,  unless 


8  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

there  are  non-commissioned  officers  absent  by  authority,   during 
which  absences  there  may  be  one  for  each  absentee. 

7.  Bach  noncommissioned  officer  will  be  furnished  with  a 
warrant  or  certificate  of  his  rank,  signed  by  the  officer  making  the 
appointment,  and  countersigned  by  the  adjutant;  but  a  separate 
warrant  as  first  sergeant,  quartermaster  sergeant,  or  stable  sergeant 
will  not  be  given.  A  warrant  issued  to  a  noncommissioned  officer 
is  his  personal  property.  Warrants  need  not  be  renewed  in  cases 
of  re-enlistment  in  the  same  company,  if  re-enlistment  is  made  the 
day  following  the  day  of  discharge,  but,  upon  request,  may  remain 
in  force  until  vacated  by  promotion  or  reduction,  each  re-enlistment 
and  continuance  to  be  noted  on  the  warrant  by  the  company  com- 
mander. A.  R.  274. 

9.  The  captain  will  select  the  first  sergeant  from  the  sergeants 
of  his  company,   and  may  return  him  to  the  grade  of  sergeant 
without  reference  to  higher  authority.     A.  R.  273. 

10.  Appointments  of  company  noncommissioned  officers  will 
take  effect  on  the  day  of  appointment  by  the  authorized  com- 
mander, and  of  first  sergeants,  quartermaster  sergeants,  stable  ser- 
geants,    ...     on  the  day  of  appointment  by  the  company  com- 
mander;   but  in  case  of  vacancy  in  a  company  in  the  field  and  ab- 
sent from  regimental  headquarters,  a  company  commander  may 
make    a   temporary   appointment   of   a   noncommissioned   officer, 
which,  if  approved  by  the  regimental  commander,  will  carry  rank 
and  pay  from  date  of  such  appointment.     A.  R.  275. 

11.  A  noncommissioned  officer  may  be  reduced  to  the  ranks 
by  sentence  of  a  court-martial,  or  on  the  recommendation  of  the 
company  commander,  by  the  order  of  the  commander  having  au- 
thority to  appoint  such  noncommissioned  officer,  but  a  noncom- 
missioned officer  will  not  be  reduced  because  of  absence  on  account 
of  sickness,  or  injury  contracted  in  line  of  duty.     If  reduced  to  the 
ranks  by  sentence  of  a  court-martial  at  a  post  not  the  headquarters 
of  his  regiment,  the  company  commander  will  forward  a  transcript 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  9 

of  the  order  to  the  regimental  commander.  The  desertion  of  a  non- 
commissioned officer  vacates  his  position  on  the  date  of  desertion. 
A.  R.  276. 

12.  The  detail  of  a  noncommissioned  officer  on  extra  duty, 
other  than  that  of  overseer,  will  not  be  made,  except  in  cases  of 
emergency,  without  prior  approval  of  the  department  commander. 
A  noncommissioned  officer  will  not  be  detailed  on  any  duty  incon- 
sistent with  his  rank  and  position  in  the  military  service.     A.  R.  271 . 

13.  The    noncommissioned    officer    should,    by    his    military 
bearing,   dignified  conduct,  and  strict  compliance  with  all  orders 
and  regulations,  set  an  example  to  the  other  enlisted  men.     He 
should,  by  study  of  the  service  books  and  manuals,  thoroughly  ac- 
quaint himself  with  the  extent  and  character  of  his  duties  and  re- 
sponsibilities, in  order  that  he  may  instruct  those  under  him  in  an 
efficient  and  intelligent  manner.     He  should,  in  addition,  acquire  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  details  of  all  duties  required  of  those 
under  his  command  or  instruction.     After  becoming  proficient  in 
his  own  duties,  he  should  acquire  some  knowledge  of  the  duties  of 
the  next  higher  grade,  as  he  may  be  called  on  to  perform  them  in 
the  absence  of  his  seniors. 

14.  In  the  exercise  of  command,  he  should  be  firm,  dignified, 
and  patient,  without  harshness  or  unnecessary  display  of  authority. 
By  a  careful  and  quiet  use  of  his  authority  and  influence,  he  should 
endeavor  to  prevent  the  occurrence  of  anything  which  would  tend 
to  promote  discontent  or  lack  of  harmonious  feelings  in  the  company. 

15.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  noncommissioned  officers  at  all  times 
and  under  all  circumstances,  whether  on  or  off  duty,  in  or  out  of  the 
post,  to  check  promptly  all  disputes,  quarrels,  or  disorderly  conduct 
among  enlisted  men  which  would  lead  to  an  infraction  of  orders  or 
regulations,  or  would  tend  to  bring  disrepute  upon  the  service. 

1 6.  Noncommissioned  officers  against  whom  charges  may  be 
preferred  for  trial  will  be  placed'in  arrest  in  their  barracks  or  quar- 
ters.    They  will  not  be  confined  in  the  guard-house  in  company  with 
privates,  except  in  aggravated  cases  or  where  escape  is  feared. 


io  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

17.  Noncommissioned  officers  in  arrest  will  not  be  required  to 
perform  any  duty  in  which  they  may  be  called  upon  to  exercise  any 
command.     Noncommissioned  officers  in  confinement  will  not  be 
sent  out  to  work  with  prisoners  under  sentence. 

1 8.  Noncommissioned  officers  will  not,  if  they  object  thereto, 
be  brought  to  trial  before  a  regimental  garrison,  or  summary  court- 
martial,  without  the  authority  of  the  officer  competent  to  order 
their  trial  by  general  court-martial A.  R.  958. 

19.  A  noncommissioned   officer  in   command   of  a  company, 
after  aligning  it  at  the  formation  of  the  battalion,  takes  post  on  the 
right  of  the  right  guide ;  he  takes  the  post  of  the  captain  when  the 
battalion  is  in  column.     At  parade,  before  bringing  the  company  to 
parade  rest,  he  conies  to  the  trail,  steps  two  paces  to  the  front  and 
faces  to  the  left,  retaining  the  piece  at  the  trail;  having  given  his 
commands,  he  resumes  his  post  and  comes  to  parade  rest. 

20.  In  exercises  in  the  manual,  nonconmiisssoned  officers  com- 
manding companies  or  subdivisions    execute  only  the  order  and 
parade  rest;  in  rendering  honors,  they  present;  while  marching, 
they  carry  their  pieces  in  the  same  same  position  as  the  men. 

21.  When  a  noncommissioned  officer,  while  in  arrest  or  con- 
finement, is  reduced  by  sentence  of  a  court-martial,  the  date  of  the 
order  publishing  the  sentence  is  the  date  of  reduction.     In  all  other 
cases  reduction  takes  effect  on  the  date  of  receipt  of  the  order  at  the 
soldier's  station. 

22.  When  passing  in  review,  a  non-commissioned  officer  com- 
manding a  company  or  platoon  executes  the  rifle  salute ;  when  com- 
manding a  company  or  detachment  separate  from  a  battalion  or 
other  command,  on  passing  the  colors  or  any  person  entitled  to  the 
compliment,   he   salutes   in  the  same   manner,   first   bringing  his 
command  to  the  eyes  right  (or  left}. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  1 1 

CHAPTER  II. 
THE  NONCOMMISSIONED  OFFICER  AS  INSTRUCTOR. 

23.  In  the  school  of  the  soldier,  the  sergeants  and  corporals 
are  generally  the  instructors,  under  the  supervision  of  a  commis- 
sioned officer. 

24.  In  all  drills,  and  especially  in  those  of  recruits  in  the  school 
of  the  soldier,  short  and  frequent  drills  are  preferable  to  long  ones, 
which  exhaust  the  attention  of  both  instructor  and  men. 

25.  The  instructor  should,  by  careful  study  and  practice,  make 
himself  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  details  of  every  movement 
which  he  desires  the  recruit  to  execute.     He  should,  before  each 
drill,  read  over  that  portion  of  the  Drill  Regulations  which  pertains 
to  the  drill  or  instruction  of  the  day. 

26.  The  instructor  will  always  maintain  a  military  bearing,  and 
by  a  quiet,  firm  demeanor,  set  a  proper  example  to  the  men. 

27.  The  instructor  explains  the  movement  to  be  executed  in  as 
few  words  as  possible,  at  the  same  time  executing  it  himself.     In  ex- 
plaining the  movements,  the  instructor  should  be  careful  to  do  so 
in  language  which  the  recruit  will  understand;  and  when  it  becomes 
necessary  to  use  technical  expressions,  he  should  explain  them  fully 
and  ascertain  by  questioning  if  their  meaning  is  understood  by  the 
men  under  instruction. 

28.  He  requires  the  recruits  to  take  by  themselves  the  proper 
positions,  and  does  not  touch  them  for  the  purpose  of  correcting 
them,  except  when  they  are  unable  to  correct  themselves ;  he  avoids 
keeping   them   too   long   at   the   same  movement,   although   each 
should  be  understood  before  passing  to  another.     He  exacts  by  de- 
grees the  desired  precision  and  uniformity. 

29.  After  the  movements  have  been  properly  executed  in  the 
order  laid  down,  he  no  longer  confines  himself  to  that  order. 


1 2  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

30.  When  the  execution  of  a  movement  is  improperly  begun, 
and  the  instructor  wishes  to  begin  it  anew  for  the  purpose  of  cor- 
recting it,  he  commands,  As  you  were,  at  which  the  movement  ceases 
and  the  former  position  is  resumed.     To  stay  the  execution  of  a 
movement  when  marching  for  the  correction  of  errors  the  instructor 
commands:     i.  In  place,   2.  Halt,  when  all  halt  and  stand  fast.    To 
resume  the  movement  he  commands:     i.  Resume,   2.  March. 

31.  The  instructor  should  exercise  great  care  in  the  giving  of 
commands.     The  tone  of  the  commands  should  be  animated,  dis- 
tinct, and  of  a  loudness  proportioned  to  the  strength  of  the  com- 
mand under  instruction. 

32.  Military  commands  are  of  two  kinds.     The  preparatory 
command,  such  as,  Forward  or  Right  shoulder,  indicates  the  move- 
ment which  is  to  be  executed.     The  command  of  execution,  such  as, 
March,  Halt,  or  Arms,  causes  the  execution  of  the  movement. 

33.  The  preparatory  command  should  be  given  at  such  an  in- 
terval of  time  before  the  command  of  execution  as  to  admit  of  its 
being  properly  understood;    the  command  of  execution  should  be 
given  at  the  instant  that  the  movement  is  to  commence. 

34.  Each  preparatory  command  is  pronounced  in  an  ascending 
tone  of  voice,  but  always  in  such  a  manner  that  the  command  of 
execution  may  be  given  in  a  more  elevated  and  energetic  tone. 

35.  The  command  of  execution  should  be  pronounced  in  a  firm 
and  brief  tone. 

36.  The  proper  giving  of  commands  is  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance  in  securing  uniformity  and   precision  in  the  execution  of  all 
movements. 

37.  In  the  different  schools,  the  posts  of  the  noncommissioned 
officers  are  specified,  but,  when  acting  as  instructors,  they  may  go 
wherever  their  presence  is  necessary,  or  wherever  they  may  best 
observe  the  execution  of  the  movements. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 


CHAPTER  III. 

NONCOMMISSIONED  OFFICER  AS  GUIDE. 

38.  A  guide  is  an  officer,  noncommissioned  officer,  or  private, 
upon  whom  the  command,  or  fraction  thereof,  regulates  its  march. 

39.  The  guide  should  always  bear  in  mind  that  the  precise  exe- 
cution of  all  movements  by  the  company  depends  on  the  accurate 
and  faithful  performance  of  duty  on  the  part  of  the  guide.     The 
dress  and  alignment  of  a  company  in  line  cannot  be  preserved  unless 
the  guide  preserves  a  uniform  cadence  in  marching  and  directs  his 
march  in  a  straight  line.     In  column  of  fours  of  squads  the  dress  and 
marching  of  the  squads  is  equally  dependent  upon  the  action  of 
the  guide. 

40.  They  should  bear  in  mind  that  in  order  to  direct  the  line 
of  march  in  any  direction,  it  is  necessary  to  select  two  points  on  the 
line  in  their  front  and  so  direct  their  march  as  to  keep  these  two 
points  covered  while  advancing.     They  should  exercise  themselves 
in  thus  marching  whenever  opportunity  offers  itself. 

41.  The  positions  of  the  guides  of  a  company  in  line  are  as  fol- 
lows:    The  right  guide  is  in  the  front  rank  on  the  right  of  the  first 
platoon;  he  is  the   right    guide  of  this   platoon  and  also  of  the 
company.     The  left  guide  is  in  the  front  rank  on  the  left  of  the  sec- 
ond platoon;    he  is  the  left  guide  of  this  platoon  and  also  of  the 
company.      The  left  guide  of  the  first  platoon  is  in  the  line  of  file- 
closers,  in  rear  of  the  second  file  from  the  left  of  the  first  platoon. 
The  right  guide  of  the  second  platoon  is  in  the  line  of  file-closers, 
in  rear  of  the  second  file  from  the  right  of  the  second  platoon.     In 
platoon  formations  the  left  guide  of  the  first  platoon  and  the  right 
guide  of  the  second  platoon  take  their  positions  in  the  front  rank 
on  the  left  and  right  of  their  respective  platoons. 

42.  In  column  of  squads  and  twos,  the  leading  and  rear  guides 


14  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

are  in  front  and  rear,  respectively,  of  the  leading  or  rear  file  on 
the  side  opposite  the  file-closers.  Those  guides  already  in  the  file- 
closers  conform  to  the  movements  of  the  file-closers. 

43.  The  point  of  rest  is  the  point  at  which  any  formation 
begins. 

44.  Successive  formations  include  formations,  either  into  line 
or  column,  in  which  the  several  subdivisions  arrive  in  their  places 
successively — that  is,  one  after  the  other. 

45.  In  all  successive  formations  into  line,  the  guides  of  the 
company  first  to  arrive  are  posted  on  the  line,  opposite  the  right  and 
left  files  of  the  company  and  facing  toward  the  point  of  rest.     These 
guides  are  posted  by  either  the  adjutant  or  sergeant-major,  ac- 
cording to  which  is  nearest  the  head  of  the  column  or  the  point 
of  rest. 

46.  In  formations  from  a  halt,  the  guides  are  posted  at  the 
preparatory  command  indicating  the  direction  in  which  the  line  is 
to  extend;  if  marching,  they  hasten  toward  their  positions  at  the 
preparatory  command,  and  are  posted  at  the  command  March. 

47.  In  the  formations  on  right  (left)  into  line  from  column  of 
companies,  the  first  guide  is  posted  eight  paces  to  the  right  (left) 
of  the  leading  company.     When  executed  from  column  of  squads, 
the  guides  are  posted  eight  paces  from  the  right  (left)  flank  of  the 
leading  company  excluding  the  file-closers;  the  guide  at  the  point 
of  rest  being  posted  opposite  the  front  rank  of  the  rear  squad.     This 
distance  of  eight  paces  may  be  increased  when  desired. 

48.  In  the  formations  front  into  line  from  column  of  companies, 
the  guides  are  posted  against  the  leading  company.     When  executed 
from  column  of  squads,  the  guide  at  the  point  of  rest  is  posted  five 
paces  to  the  front  and  five  paces  to  the  right  or  left  of  the  front  rank 
of  the  leading  squad  of  the  leading  company.     This  distance  of  five 
paces  may  be  increased  when  desired. 

49.  In  the  deployments,  the  guides  are  posted   against  the 
leading  company. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  15 

50.  The  line  is  prolonged  as  in  forming  the  battalion;  the  guides 
are  assured  by  the  adjutant  or  sergeant-major  nearest  the  point  of 
rest,  or  by  both  if  the  formation  be  central. 

51.  Companies  are  halted  one  pace  from  the  line  of  guides,  and- 
immediately  dressed  up  to  them  toward  the  point  of  rest. 

52.  When  the  principles  of  successive  formations  are  well  un- 
derstood by  the  guides,  they  may  be  required  to  post  themselves. 

53.  The  major  commands:    i.  Guides,   2.  Posts,  at  the  comple- 
tion of  all  successive  formations  into  line. 

54.  In  successive  formations,  should  the  major  desire  to  com- 
mence  firing  pending  the  completion  of  the  movement,  he  instructs 
the  captains  as  to  the  kind  of  fire;  the  adjutant  or  sergeant  at  the 
head  of  the  column  cautions  the  guides  not  to  take  post  marking 
the  line. 

55.  After  a  company  has  moved  up  to  its  guides  at  the  com- 
mand Dress,  the  file  opposite  the  guide  nearest  the  point  of  rest 
stands  fast  and  the  company  is  not  moved  to  the  right  or  left  for 
the  correction  of  an  error  of  interval  unless  the  major  so  directs'. 

56.  When  a  company  in  line  is  advancing  toward  the  line  of 
guides,  the  front  rank  man  on  the  indicated  flank  acts  as  guide  and 
directs  his  march  on  the  guide  of  his  company  posted  nearest  the 
point  of  rest. 

57.  In  forming  the  battalion,  the  center  company  is  conducted 
by  its  captain  so  as  to  arrive  from  the  rear,  parallel  to  the  line ;  its 
right  and  left  guides  precede  it  on  the  line  by  about  twenty  paces, 
taking  post  facing  to  the  left  (point  of  rest)  at  order  arms,  so  that 
their  elbows  are  against  the  breasts  of  the  right  and  left  files  of  the 
base  company  when  it  is  dressed;  they  are  posted  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  adjutant  and  sergeant-major. 

58.  The  line  of  guides  is  prolonged  to  the  right  by  the  right  and 
left  guides  of  companies  of  the  right  wing  who  precede  their  com- 
panies on  the  line  by  about  twenty  paces,  and  establish  themselves 
facing  toward  the  point  of  rest  so  that  each  is  opposite  the  proper 


1 6  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

flank  of  his  company  when  it  is  on  the  line;  the  left  guide  places 
himself  about  five  paces  from  the  right  guide  of  the  preceding  com- 
pany. The  adjutant  aligns  the  guides,  placing  himself  in  rear  of  the 
right  guides  of  companies  as  they  successively  arrive. 

The  line  of  guides  is  similarly  prolonged  to  the  left  by  the  guides 
of  companies  of  the  left  wing,  the  sergeant-major  aligning  them  in 
their  positions,  placing  himself  successively  in  rear  of  the  left  guides. 

59.  Guides  in  front  marking  the  line,  in  alignments  and  in  suc- 
cessive formations,  including  the  formation  of  the  battalion,  stand 
at  the  order. 

60.  In  all  changes  by  squads  from  line  into  column,  column 
into  line,  or  from  column  of  squads  to  twos,  files,  or  the  reverse,  and 
in  all  turns  about  by  squads,  either  in  line  or  column,  the  guides  and 
file-closers  take  their  proper  places  in  the  most  convenient  way  as 
soon  as  practicable  after  the  command  March. 

61.  Marching  in  Line,  to  Effect  a  Slight  Change  of  Direction. 
The  captain  commands :     Incline  to  the  right  (left) .     The  guide  gradu- 
ally advances  the  left  shoulder  and  marches  in  the  new  direction; 
all  the  files  advance  the  left  shoulder  and  conform  to  the  movements 
of  the  guide,  lengthening  or  shortening  the  step,  according  as  the 
change  is  toward  the  side  of  the  guide,  or  the  side  opposite. 

62.  Guides  and  enlisted  men  in  the  line  of  file-closers  execute 
the  manual  of  arms  during  the  drill  unless  specially  excused,  when 
they  remain  at  the  order.     During  ceremonies  they  execute   all 
movements. 

A  noncommissioned  officer  as  guide,  or  in  command  of  a  com- 
pany, sub-division,  or  detachment,  carries  his  piece  as  the  men  do. 

63.  Being  in  line;  to  turn  on  the  fixed  pivot,  the  captain  com- 
mands:    i.  Company  right  (left),    2.  March;    3.  Company,  4.  Halt; 
or,  3.  Forward,   4.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  right-flank  man  in  the  front  rank 
faces  to  the  right  in  marching  and  marks  time ;  the  other  front-rank 
men  oblique  to  the  right,  place  themselves  abreast  of  the  pivot,  and 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  1 7 

mark  time;  in  the  rear  rank  the  third  man  from  the  right,  followed 
in  column  by  the  second  and  first,  moves  straight  to  the  front  until 
in  rear  of  his  front-rank  man,  when  all  face  to  the  right  in  marching 
and  mark  time;  the  remaining  men  of  the  rear  rank  move  straight 
to  the  front  four  paces,  oblique  to  the  right,  place  themselves  abreast 
of  the  third  man,  cover  their  file  leaders,  and  mark  time;  the  right 
guide  steps  back,  takes  post  on  the  flank,  and  marks  time. 

The  fourth  command  is  given  when  the  last  man  is  one  pace  in 
rear  of  the  new  line. 

The  command  Halt  may  be  given  at  any  time  after  the  movement 
begins;  only  those  halt  who  are  in  the  new  position.  Each  of  the 
others  halts  upon  arriving  on  the  line,  aligns  himself  to  the  right,  and 
executes  front  without  command. 

64.  Being  in  line;  to  turn  on  the  moving  pivot,  the  captain  com- 
mands:    i.  Right  (left)  turn,  2.  March;  3.  Forward,  4.  March. 

At  the  second  command,  the  right-flank  man  faces  to  the  right  in 
marching  and  takes  the  half  step;  the  other  front-rank  men  oblique 
to  the  right  until  opposite  their  places  in  line,  execute  a  second  right 
oblique  and  take  the  half  step  when  abreast  of  the  right-flank  man; 
the  rear  rank  advances  and  turns  on  the  same  ground  and  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  front  rank,  maintaining  the  distance  of  forty 
inches.  All  take  the  full  step  at  the  fourth  command,  which  is  given 
when  the  last  man  arrives  in  his  new  position. 

Being  at  a  halt,  the  movement  is  executed  by  the  same  commands 
and  in  the  same  manner.  At  the  second  command,  the  right  flank 
man  faces  to  the  right  as  in  marching  and  steps  off,  at  half  step. 

Right  (Left)  half  turn  is  executed  in  a  similar  manner.  The  right- 
flank  man  makes  a  half  change  of  direction  to  the  right  and  the  other 
men  make  quarter  changes  in  obliquing. 

65.  To  give  the  battalion  a  new  alignment:     i.  Guides  center 
(right  or  left)  company  on  the  line,    2.  Guides  on  the  line,    3.  Center 
(right  or  left),   4.  Dress,  5.  Guides,   6.  Posts. 

At  the  first  command,  the  designated  guides  place  themselves  on 


1 8  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

the  line  facing  the  center  (right  or  left) ;  the  major  establishes  them 
in  the  direction  he  wishes  to  give  the  battalion. 

At  the  second  command,  the  guides  of  the  other  companies  take 
the  same  posts  as  in  forming  the  battalion. 

At  the  command  Dress,  each  captain  dresses  his  company  to  the 
flank  toward  which  the  guides  face. 

At  the  command  Posts,  the  guides  return  to  their  posts. 

66.  In  opening  ranks  of  the  company,  the  front  rank  executes 
right   dress;    the  rear  rank  and  the  file-closers  march  backwards 
four  steps,  halt,  and  execute  right  dress;  the  lieutenants  pass  around 
their  respective  flanks  and  take  post,  facing  to  the  front,  three  paces 
in  front  of  the  center  of  their  respective  platoons.     The  captain 
aligns  the  front  rank,  rear  rank,  and  file-closers,  takes  post  three 
paces  in  front  of  the  right  guide,  facing  to  the  left,  and  commands : 
Front. 

67.  In  all  changes  of  squads  from  line  into  column  or  from  column 
into  line,  or  from  column  of  squads  to  twos,  files,  or  the  reverse,  and 
in  all  wheel  about  by  squads,  either  in  line  or  column,  the  guides  take 
their  proper  places  in  the  most  convenient  way  as  soon  as  practicable. 

68.  Whenever  a  company  is  formed  in  column  of  platoons,  or 
line  of  platoons  in  column  of  squads,  the  fourth  and  fifth  sergeants 
place  themselves  as  guides  of  their  platoons  as  soon  as  practicable; 
they  return  to  their  posts  in  the  line  of  file-closers  when  the  company 
unites  in  line  or  columns  of  squads,  unless  they  mark  an  alignment. 

69.  In  column  of  subdivisions  the  guide  of  the  leading  subdi- 
vision is  charged  with  the  step  and  direction;  the  guides  in  rear 
preserve  the  trace,  step,  and  distance. 

Whenever  a  guide  is  forced  out  of  the  direction,  he  recovers 
it  gradually;  the  guides  in  rear  conform  successively  to  his 
movements. 

70.  When  marching  in  column  of  subdivisions,  in  route  step  and 
at  ease,  the  guides  maintain  the  trace  and  distance. 

71.  Being  in  column  at  full  distance  at  a  halt,  if  the  guides  do 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  19 

not  cover  or  have  not  their  proper  distances,  to  correct  them  the 
major  establishes  the  guide  of  the  leading  company  and  the  guide 
next  in  rear,  in  the  desired  direction,  and  commands :  i .  Right  (or 
left)  guides,  2 .  Cover.  The  designated  guides  place  themselves  cover- 
ing the  first  two,  each  at  full  distance  from  the  guide  next  in  front ; 
the  adjutant  and  sergeant-major  assure  them  in  their  positions. 

72.  Distance  is  open  space  measured  in  the  direction  of  depth — 
i.  e.,  from  head  to  rear  of  any  formation. 

73.  Interval  is  the  open  space  between  elements  in  the  same 
line,  as,  the  interval  between  files,  between  companies  in  line,  be- 
tween battalions  in  line. 

74.  The  following   are  the  intervals   prescribed   in  the   Drill 
Regulations  for  organizations : 

Between  companies,  the  interval  is  three  paces,  measured  from 
guide  to  guide. 

Between  battalions,  the  interval  is  twenty-four  paces,  measured 
from  guide  to  guide. 

Between  companies  in  extended  order,  the  interval  is  fifteen 
paces. 

Between  regiments  in  brigade,  the  interval  is  forty-eight  paces. 

Between  companies  in  line  of  platoon  columns,  the  full  interval 
is  platoon  front  and  three  paces;  the  close  interval  is  eight  paces. 

Between  squads  in  extended  order,  the  normal  interval  is  about 
fifteen  paces. 

Between  sections  in  extended  order,  the  normal  interval  is  about 
forty-five  paces;  between  sections  of  two  squads  each,  about  thirty 
paces. 

75.  The  following  are  the  distances  prescribed  in   the    Drill 
Regulations : 

Between  platoons,  the  distance  is  platoon  front. 

Between  companies,  full  distance  in  column  of  subdivisions  is 
such  that  in  forming  line  to  the  right  or  left,  the  subdivisions  will 
have  their  proper  intervals;  in  column  of  companies,  it  is  company 


2o  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

distance  and  three  paces.     Between  companies  in  close  column,  the 
distance  is  eight  paces. 

76.  For  battalion  movements,  guides  should  perfect  themselves 
in  judging  accurately  the  three  paces,  five  paces',  eight  paces,  and 
company  distance  prescribed  for  the  various  formations. 

77.  In  successive  formations  into  line,  the  guides  of  each  com- 
pany should  post  themselves  on  the  line  in  approximately  their 
proper  positions,  and  should  then  change  their  positions  to  conform 
to  the  movements  of  the  preceding  companies  until  their  own  com- 
pany arrives  on  the  line.     As  the  latter  approaches,   the  guide 
farthest  from  the  point  of  rest  should  glance  toward  the  company 
and,  if  necessary,  close  up  or  open  out  to  the  proper  company  dis- 
tance, being  careful  not  to  get  out  of  the  line  of  the  guides. 

78.  After  a  company  is  halted  and  begins  to  dress,  its  guides 
should  stand  fast,  never  allowing  themselves  to  be  pushed  out  of 
position  by  the  movements  of  the  men  in  dressing. 

78a.  In  all  movements  of  the  company  in  battalion,  where  it  is 
prescribed  that  the  guides  leave  the  company  and  precede  it  by 
about  twenty  paces  on  the  line,  they  should  be  careful  to  move 
forward  together.  This  may  be  done  if  the  guide  of  the  company 
on  the  flank  away  from  the  point  of  rest  watches  the  guide  on  the 
other  flank — i.  e.,  towards  the  point  of  rest,  and  starts  at  the  instant 
the  latter  starts.  They  then  hasten — that  is,  they  run — toward  the 
line,  halt  facing  to  the  front,  take  the  order  arms  together,  and  face 
toward  the  point  of  rest.  This  does  not,  of  course,  apply  to  the 
movements  on  right  into  line,  for  the  reason  that  the  two  guides 
have  different  distances  to  travel  and  must  start  at  different  times. 

786.  In  battalion  movements,  in  executing  on  right  or  left  into 
line,  either  from  column  of  squads  or  companies,  the  guides  of  the 
companies  in  rear  of  the  leading  one  must  be  careful  to  preserve  the 
original  direction  of  march — i.  e.,  parallel  to  the  new  line;  otherwise, 
the  execution  of  the  movement  by  the  company  is  interfered  with. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  21 

CHAPTER  IV. 
NONCOMMISSIONED  OFFICER  IN  EXTENDED  ORDER. 

79.  The  squad  is  the  basis  of  extended  order.     Men  will  be 
taught  to  regard  the  squad  as  the  unit  from  which  they  ought  never 
to  be  separated;  but  if  the  squad  should  be  broken  up  or  the  men 
become  separated,  they  place  themselves  under  the  orders  of  the 
nearest  leader  and  remain  with  his  squad  as  if  it  were  the  one  to 
which  they  originally  belonged. 

80.  Officers  and  noncommissioned  officers  give  their  attention 
to  preserving  the  integrity  of  the  squads;  they  appoint  new  leaders 
to  replace  those  disabled,  organize  new  squads  when  necessary,  and 
see  that  every  man  is  placed  in  a  squad. 

81.  In  instruction  in  extended  order,  the  movements  must  be 
made  with  reference  to  an  enemy  supposed  to  be  in  an  indicated 
direction.     The  enemy  is  said  to  be  imaginary  when  his  position  and 
force  are  merely  assumed;  outlined  when  his  position  and  force  are 
indicated  by  a  few  men  only;  represented  when  a  body  of  troops 
acting  as  such  has  his  supposed  force  and  position. 

82.  Men  in  extended  order  fix  their  attention  at  the  first  word 
of  command,  the  first  note  of  the  trumpet,  or  the  first  motion  of  the 
signal;  the  movement  commences  immediately  upon  completion  of 
the  command,  trumpet  call,  or  signal. 

83.  Extended  order  may  be  taken  from  any  formation. 

84.  Upon  arriving  on  the  line  and  upon  halting,  men  in  ex- 
tended order  face  to  the  front,  whether  in   squads  or  as  individual 
skirmishers. 

85.  No  commands  for  dressing  are  given  in  extended  order;  the 
general  alignment  is  taken  toward  the  base  file;  the  men  stand  and 
march  at  ease  and  pay  close  attention. 


22  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

86.  When  necessary  for  any  chief  to  leave  his  post,  he  will 
return  as  soon  as  possible. 

87.  In  the  extended  order  drill  of  the  company,  the  sergeants 
are  the  chiefs  of  sections  and  the  corporals  are  the  squad  leaders. 

88.  In  the  normal  company,  the  second  sergeant  is  chief  of  the 
first  section;  the  fourth  sergeant  is  chief  of  the  second  section;  the 
fifth  sergeant  is  chief  of  the  third  section ;  the  third  sergeant  is  chief 
of  the  fourth  section.     The  corporals  are  the  leaders  of  the  squads 
to  which  they  belong  or  with  which  they  are  marching. 

89.  In  the  exercises  in  leading  the  squad,  'the  movements  are 
executed  at  the  signals  of  the  corporal,  and  as  far  as  possible  without 
commands  or  cautions. 

90.  The  movements  are  executed  in  the  most  direct  manner, 
first  in  quick  time,  then  in  double  time,  finally  at  a  run;  they  should 
not  succeed  each  other  so  rapidly  as  to  produce  confusion. 

91.  The  squad  is  exercised  in  turning,  marching  to  the  front, 
rear,  and  by  the  flank,  obliquing,  halting,  deploying,  and  assembling, 
etc.     In  these  exercises,  the  signals  prescribed  in  the  Drill  Regula- 
tions will  be  used  and  will  be  thoroughly  explained  and  illustrated 
to  the  squads  by  the  squad  leaders. 

92.  The  man  in  front  of  whom  the  corporal  places  himself  is 
the  guide  o  f  the  squad,  and  follows  in  the  trace  of  the  corporal  at  a 
distance  of  three  paces.     When  the  corporal  does  not  want  the  squad 
to  follow  him,  he  commands :  i .  Guide,  center,  and  indicates  the  point 
of  direction;  if  marching  by  the  flank,  he  indicates  the  direction. 

93.  Before  giving  commands  for  increasing  or  diminishing  in- 
tervals, or  assembling,  the  corporal  indicates  the  file  who  is  to  be 
the  base.     This  indication  may  be  made  by  placing  himself  three 
paces  in  front  of  such  file,  or  by  oral  designation. 

On  halting,  the  corporal  places  himself  three  paces  in  rear  of  his 
squad,  if  it  is  acting  alone.  When  the  squad  is  in  line  of  squads  the 
corporal  is  three  paces  in  front,  whether  marching  or  at  a  halt;  and 
if  deployed  as  skirmishers,  he  is  the  left  skirmisher. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  23 

94.  The  post  of  a  sergeant  is  opposite  the  center  of  his  section; 
three  paces  in  rear  of  the  rear  rank  when  the  squads  are  assembled, 
and  the  line  of  skirmishers  when  the  squads  are  deployed.     Sergeants 
not  in  comrnand  of  sections  are  on  the  same  line,  in  the  same  relative 
position  as  in  close  order. 

95.  The  post  of  a  corporal  when  the  squads  are  assembled  is 
three  paces  in  front  of  the  base  file  of  his  squad;  when  the  squads 
are  deployed  he  takes  his  place  as  left  skirmisher  of  his  squad.     If 
his  squad  is  detached,  he  follows  the  principles  of  the  School  of  the 
Squad. 

96.  The  squad  is  deployed  forward  when  it  is  in  rear  of  the  line 
to  be  occupied,  and  by  the  flank  when  it  is  already  on  that  line.     If 
the  squad  be  at  a  halt,  it  is  placed  in  march  before  deploying  for- 
ward.    If  the  squad  be  in  march,  it  is  halted  before  being  deployed 
by  the  flank. 

97.  The  normal  interval  between  skirmishers  is  two   paces; 
when  a  greater  or  less  interval  is  used,  it  will  be  stated  in  the  pre- 
paratory command. 

98.  The  deployment  as  skirmishers  is  made  on  the  front-rank 
men  of  the  second  file  from  the  right  (No.  2).     The  rear  men  place 
themselves  on  the  alignment  to  the  right  of  their  file  leaders,  each, 
as  soon  as  there  is  interval. 

99.  If  the  squad  is  to  kneel  or  lie  down  upon  halting,  the  cor- 
poral gives  the  cautionary  command,  Kneel  (or  Lie  down),  upon 
halting,  before  giving  commands  for  deploying.     The  squad  will 
then  kneel  (or  lie  down)  at  each  halt  until  otherwise  directed. 

100.  Officers  and  noncommissioned  officers  exact  from  the  men 
obedience  of  the  following  rules: 

a.  Never  fire  unless  ordered. 

b.  Never  exceed  the  number  of  cartridges  indicated. 

c.  Never  fire  after  the  command  or  signal  Cease  firing. 

d.^ Always  fire  at  the  named  objective;  if  so  situated  as  to  be 
unable  to  see  the  objective,  do  not  fire. 


24  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

e.  Always  aim  at  the  bottom  line  of  the  objective;  if  it  be  a  line 
of  men,  aim  at  the  feet;  if  a  clump  of  trees,  aim  at  the  junction  of 
tree  trunks  and  ground. 

Scouts,  from  the  nature  of  their  duties,  are  given  greater  latitude. 
They  are  permitted  to  carry  their  pieces  loaded  and  at  the  ready, 
and  the  question  of  firing  is  left  largely  to  their  judgment.  It  is 
frequently  necessary  for  them  to  fire  in  self-defense,  to  give  the  alarm 
or  to  avail  themselves  of  opportunity  to  fire  upon  leaders  of  the 
enemy. 

10 1.  The  instructor  will  give  the  closest  attention  to  the  execu- 
tion of  the  firings,  and  always  exact  the  most  rigid  fire  discipline. 

102.  The  firings  are  always  executed  at  a  halt.     In  advancing  to 
the  attack,  skirmishers  lie  down  on  being  halted.     Those  who  cannot 
see  the  objective  rise  to  the  kneeling  or  sitting  position;  and  of  these, 
those  who  cannot  see  the  objective  rise  to  the  standing  position. 

103.  For  the  firings,  the  post  of  the  instructor  is  three  paces  in 
rear  of  the  squad,  but  in  actual  firing  he  places' himself  where  he  can 
best  make  himself  heard  and  at  the  same  time  best  observe  the 
effects  of  the  fire. 

104.  The  instructor  should  exercise  the  greatest  of  care  in  the 
proper  giving  of  all  commands  for  firings.     He  should  thoroughly 
familiarize  himself  with  the  commands  as  prescribed  in  Drill  Regula- 
tions, never  varying  therefrom.     He  should  bear  in  mind  that  every 
command  for  firing  should  consist  of  the  following  parts  in  the  fol- 
lowing order: 

1.  That  portion  of  the  command  that  indicates  the  kind  of  fire; 
as:     i.  Squad,  2.  Load.     (Indicating  Volley  Firing)    i.  Fire  at  will, 
Fire  (so  many]  rounds,  etc. 

2.  That  portion  that  indicates  the  range  at  which  the  men  are 
to  fix  their  sights ;   as,  A  t  (so  many)  yards. 

3.  That  portion  of  the  command  that  indicates  the  object  at 
which  thejsquad  is  to  direct  its  fire;  as,  At  line  of  men,  or,  At  line  of 
woods,  etc. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  25 

4.  That  portion  which  is  necessary  for  the  loading,  aiming,  and 
firing;  viz.:  i.  Ready,  2.  Aim,  3.  Squad,  4.  Fire,  5.  Load. 

105.  For  volley  firing,  the  squad  being  in  line  facing  the  object 
to  be  fired  upon,  the  pieces  loaded  and  in  any  position:     i.  At  (so 
many)   yards,    2.   At   (such  object),    3.   Ready,    4.   Aim,    5.   Squad, 
6.  Fire. 

To  fire  another  volley  at  the  same  objective  with  the  same  range : 
i.  Load,  2.  Aim,  3.  Squad,  4.  Fire. 

To  fire  another  volley  at  the  same  objective,  but  with  a  new 
range:  i.  At  (so  many)  yards,  2.  Aim,  3.  Squad,  4.  Fire.  5, 
Load. 

To  fire  another  volley  at  a  new  objective  with  a  new  range: 
i.  .At  (so  many)  yards,  2.  At  (such  and  such  an  object),  3.  Ready, 
4.  Aim,  5.  Squad,  6.  Fire,  7.  Load. 

1 06.  The  objective  and  range  will  be  indicated  in  the  prepara- 
tory commands  for  all  kinds  of  fire,  as  illustrated  in  the  preceding 
examples. 

If  the  objective  be  at  a  considerable  angle  to  the  front  of  the 
squad,  the  instructor  will  change  the  front  of  the  squad  so  as  to 
face  it. 

The  commands  are  given  at  sufficient  intervals  to  allow  them 
to  be  executed  as  already  prescribed.  The  command  Fire  is  given 
when  the  pieces  appear  to  be  steady. 

107.  More  than  three  volleys  will  rarely  be  fired  without  inter- 
mission ;  this  is  to  allow  the  smoke  to  clear  away,  to  steady  the  men, 
and  to  prevent  the  waste  of  ammunition. 

1 08.  To  fire  at  will:     i.  Fire  at  will,    2.  At  (so  many)  yards, 
3.  At  (such  object),    4.  Commence  firing. 

At  the  fourth  command  those  skirmishers  who  can  see  the  enemy 
aim  deliberately,  fire,  load,  and  continue  the  firing  until  the  command 
or  signal  Cease  firing. 

The  corporal  may  permit  a  few  men  only,  usually  the  best  shots, 
to  fire;  for  this  purpose  he  calls  the  men  by  name  and  then  gives  the 


26    .         Handbook  for  Noncommissioned* Officers. 

same  commands  as  before;  the  intensity  of  the  fire  is  thus  regulated 
by  varying  the  number  of  the  men  firing. 

109.  To  fire  as  skirmishers  with  counted  cartridges:  i.  Fire 
one  (two,  or  three]  rounds,  2.  At  (so  many)  yards,  3.  At  (such  an 
object),  4.  Commence  firing. 

At  the  fourth  command  those  skirmishers  who  can  see  the  enemy 
commence  firing.  Each  man,  after  firing  the  number  of  cartridges, 
executes  cease  firing. 

To  fire  another  series,  Fire  one  (two,  or  three)  rounds. 

The  instructor  will  see  that  the  number  of  cartridges  indicated  is 
never  exceeded. 

no.  In  the  rapid  fire,  the  number  of  cartridges  is  not  limited; 
when  used  in  advancing  to  the  attack,  the  instructor  orders  bayo- 
nets fixed  and  sights  laid  down,  and  then  commands :  i .  Rapid  fire, 
2.  Commence  firing. 

in.  Halts  are  habitually  made  with  a  view:  ist,  to  effective 
fire  upon  the  objective;  2d,  to  distances  necessary  to  pass  over;  3d, 
to  the  time  and  gaits  required;  4th,  to  cover.  All  other  considera- 
tions give  way  to  those  of  effective  fire. 

112.  In  a  line  of  sections,  squads,  or  skirmishers,  the  chief  of 
section  is  six  paces  in  rear  of  the  center  of  his  section.     When  the 
section  acts  as  the  support  in  the  battle  formation  of  a  company,  the 
post  of  the  chief  of  section  is  six  paces  in  front  of  the  center  of  his 
section. 

113.  In  forming  a  line  of  squads  or  skirmishers,  the  chiefs  of 
sections  place  themselves  in  rear  of  their  base  squads  in  line,  or 
abreast  of  them  in  column;  they  see  that  the  base  squads  keep  the 
line  of  direction.     The  corporals  take  their  posts  in  front  of  their 
squads,  in  line  at  the  preparatory  command  for  forming  line  of 
squads;  in  deploying  as  skirmishers,  they  take  or  keep  their  places 
in  ranks,  retaining  supervision  of  their  squads. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  27 

CHAPTER  V. 
ADVANCE  AND  REAR  GUARD  DUTY.* 

114.  An  advance  guard  is  a  body  of  troops  thrown  out  in  front 
of  a  marching  column  to  cover  its  movements,  to  prevent  surprise, 
and  to  gain  information. 

115.  Rear  guards  are  corresponding  bodies  in  the  rear  of  the 
column.  In  forward  movements  they  protect  the  rear  of  the  col- 
umn from  raiding  parties  or  detachments,  arrest  stragglers,  prevent 
pillaging,  etc. 

1 1 6f  In  retreat  they  cover  the  column,  checking  the  enemy,  and 
delaying  him  so  as  to  insure  the  safety  of  the  column. 

117.  Troops  marching  in  a  hostile  territory  are  preceded  on  the 
march  by  an  advance  guard  and  are  followed  by  a  rear  guard. 

A  column  of  troops  on  the  march  consists,  therefore,  of  an  ad- 
vance guard,  the  main  body,  a  rear  guard,  and,  if  necessary,  flanking 
parties. 

1 1 8.  In  general  terms,  the  objects  of  the  advance  guard  are  to 
observe  and  to  resist;  specifically,  they  are: 

1 .  To  provide  for  the  security  of  the  main  body  by  giving  it  time 
to  deploy  when  the  enemy  is  encountered. 

2.  To  clear  the  way  for  the  main  body  and  prevent  its  march 
being  delayed. 

3.  To  seize  and  hold  important  points  until  the  arrival  of  the 
main  body. 

4.  To  support  the  cavalry  screen,  if  there  be  one  in  front  of 
the  column. 

119.  The  strength  of  the  advance  guard  varies  with  the  strength 

*The  material  for  this  chapter  taken  from  "The  Service  of  Security  and  In- 
formation," by  the  late  Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant-General, 
U.  S.  Army,  by  permission  of  the  author. 


of  Infant^      Qj     -/IdMice.     Guard. 


Point 

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A  'a  'it«*tt  Party 

t; 


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Advanc*  Part 


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etcrire  in  Ctlumi\ 
tf  fou.it 


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3O  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

of  the  main  body,  the  object  of  the  march,  and  the  nature  of  the 
country  through  which  the  column  is  passing.  As  a  general  rule, 
the  strength  of  the  advance  guard  may  be  placed  at  one-sixth  of 
the  whole  force.  This  may  be  reduced  to  one-eighth  for  small 
commands. 

120.  An  advance  guard  consists  of  a  series  of  detachments  in- 
creasing progressively  in  size  from  front  to  rear,  each  being  charged 
with  the  duty  of  protecting  from  surprise  the  body  immediately  fol- 
lowing it  and  gaining  time  for  the  latter  to  prepare  for  action. 

121.  The  advance  guard  is  divided  into  two  parts:  the  reserve 
and  the  vanguard.     The  reserve  consists  of  from  one-third  to  one- 
half  the  entire  advance  guard.     The  remainder  constitutes  the  van- 
guard, which  is  divided  into  the  advance  party  and  the  support,  the 
support  being  generally  twice  the  size  of  the  advance  party. 

122.  When  a  single  company  forms  the  advance  guard,  the 
first  section  constitutes  the  advance  party,  the  second  section  the 
support,  and  the  second  platoon  the  reserve. 

123.  The  company  being  in  column  of  squads  at  a  halt,  the 
captain  commands :     i.  Form  advance  guard,     2.  March. 

At  the  first  command  the  first  sergeant  takes  command  of  the 
first  section,  and  the  corporal  of  the  first  squad  exchanges  places 
with  his  rear-rank  man. 

At  the  command  March,  the  front  rank  of  the  first  squad,  under 
command  of  the  second  sergeant,  moves  to  the  front  as  the  point. 

The  rear  rank  of  the  first  squad  obliques  to  the  left  to  form  a 
flanking  group. 

The  front  rank  of  the  second  squad  obliques  to  the  right  to  form 
a  flanking  group. 

124.  The  point  and  flankers  all  move  out  at  the  double  time, 
reducing  the  pace  to  quick  time  when  they  have  gained  their  proper 
distances. 

125.  The  first  sergeant  detaches  two  men  of  the  rear  rank  of 
the  second  squad  to  march  as  connecting  files  between  the  advance 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  3 1 

party  and  the  support,  puts  the  other  two  in  the  file-closers,  and 
commands:  i.  Forward,  2.  March,  the  second  command  being 
given  as  soon  as  the  point  has  gained  its  proper  distance. 

126.  The  first  lieutenant  (remaining  with  the  second  section) 
commands:     i.  Forwardt     2.  March.     The  second  command  being 
given  as  soon  as  the  advance  party  has  its  proper  distance.     He  then 
adds:     i.  Rear  squad,     2.  Right  and  left  oblique,     3.  March.     The 
front  rank  of  the  rear  squad  obliques  to  the  right,  the  rear  rank  to 
the  left,  at  double  time,  forming  the  flankers  of  the  support,  and 
taking  quick  time  on  gaining  their  positions. 

127.  The  captain  (remaining  with  the  second  platoon)  gives  the 
command:     i.  Forward,     2.  March,    the   second   command   being 
given  as  soon  as  the  support  has  advanced  its  proper  distance.     If 
necessary,  flankers  may  be  thrown  out  from  the  reserve  by  the  same 
commands  and  means  as  from  the  support. 

128.  The  entire  advance  guard  marches  habitually  at  attention. 

129.  If  the  command  is:     i.  Form  advance  guard,     2.  Double 
time,     3.  March,  the  point  and  flankers  move  out  as  already  pre- 
scribed, but  do  not  reduce  their  pace  upon  gaining  their  positions. 
The  advance  party,  the  support,  and  the  reserve  move  forward  suc- 
cessively at  the  double  time.     The  reserve  takes  the  quick  time  at 
the  command  of  the  captain  and  the  other  parts  of  the  advance  guard 
conform  to  the  movements  of  the  reserve. 

130.  To  assemble  the  advance  guard,  the  reserve  is  halted  and 
the  other  parts  of  the  advance  guard  at  once  halt.     The  command : 
i.  Assemble,     2.  March,  is  then  given,  or  the  signal  for  assembly  is 
given.     This  command  is  repeated  by  the  commanders  of  the  ad- 
vance party  and  the  vanguard,  and  at  the  command   March,  all 
parts  of  the  advance  guard  move  toward  the  reserve  by  the  shortest 
line  and  take  their  places  in  column. 

131.  Upon  the  receipt  of  an  order  to  form  a  company  as  a  rear 
guard,  its  captain  halts  it,  and,  if  it  be  not  already  in  that  formation, 
forms  it  in  column  of  squads  facing  the  enemy  or  to  the  rear.      The 


for  a 

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at 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  33 

main  body  having  gained  the  proper  distance,  the  captain  com" 
mands:  i.  Form  rear  guard,  2.  Second  platoon,  squads  right  about, 
3.  March,  and  the  second  platoon,  under  command  of  the  captain, 
at  once  moves  to  the  rear  and  follows  the  main  body.  At  the 
command:  i.  First  and  rear  squads,  2.  Right  and  left  oblique, 
3.  March,  the  designated  squads  move  out  as  flankers  in  the  man- 
ner prescribed  for  the  advance  guard,,  the  front  rank  to  the  right 
and  the  rear  rank  to  the  left. 

132.  When  the  reserve  has   gained   its   proper   distance,   the 
first  lieutenant  commands:     i.  Second  section,    2.  Squads  left  about, 
^.   March,  and  it  follows  the  reserve  as  a  support,  maintaining  the 
proper  distance.     Flankers  are  sent  out  from  the  rear  squads  as  in 
the  advance  guard. 

133.  The  support  having  gained  its  proper  distance,  the  first 
sergeant  commands:     i.  Form  rear  party,     2.  March.     At  the  first 
command,  the  corporal  of  the  first  squads  exchanges  places  with  his 
rear-rank  man,  and  at  the  command  March,  the  rear  rank  of  the 
first  squad  and  the  front  rank  of  the  second  squad  face  to  the  left 
and  right  respectively,  leave  the  column  at  the  double  time,  and, 
upon  gaining  their  proper  interval  from  the  column,  march  to  the 
rear  at  the  quick  time.     The  front  rank  of  the  first  squad  stands  fast. 

134.  Immediately  after  giving  the  command  for  forming  the  rear 
party,  the  first  sergeant  commands :    i .  Squads  left  about,   2 .  March, 
and  afterwards  detaches  two  men  as  connecting  files  between  the 
rear  party  and  the  support.     The  front  rank  of  the  first  squad, 
under  command  of  the  second  sergeant,  assumes  the  proper  forma- 
tion for  the  rear  point,  and  marches  to  the  rear  as  soon  as  the  rear 
party  has  gained  the  proper  distance. 

135.  While  at  a  halt,  each  part  of  the  advance  guard  remains 
in  its  place.     All  parts  of  the  advance  guard  should,  while  at  a  halt, 
face  in  the  supposed  direction  of  the  enemy. 

136.  The  point  and  advance  party  are  charged  with  the  duty 
Df  observing  and  investigating  everything  suspicious  in  character 


34  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

on  or  near  the  line  of  march  of  the  column.  They  should  be  con- 
stantly on  the  alert  for  any  and  all  signs  of  the  enemy,  and  should 
make  immediate  reports  of  his  whereabouts,  when  discovered,  to  the 
commander  of  the  vanguard.  They  should,  without  unnecessarily 
delaying  the  advance  of  the  main  body,  investigate  all  houses,  ra- 
vines, woods,  or  other  places  likely  to  afford  concealment  to  the 
enemy  along  the  line  of  march. 

137.  The  flankers  are  charged  with  a  similar  duty  on  their  re- 
spective flanks,  and  they  will  exercise  especial  vigilance  in  investi- 
gating all  places  where  the  enemy  might  conceal  themselves  and 
deliver  a  flank  attack  on  the  main  body. 

138.  When  it  becomes  necessary  for  the  different  parts  of  the 
advance  guard  to  communicate  with  each  other,  they  will  do  so  by 
means  of  the  prescribed  or  prearranged  signals,  and  without  nec- 
essary shouting  or  firing. 

139.  Flanking  parties  should  be  under  the  command  of  non- 
commissioned officers  or  experienced  privates,   and  in  advancing 
they  should  take  up  the  formation  shown  in  the  diagram — i.  e.,  two 
men  in  front  and  one  in  rear  of  the  group  leader.     The  distances  by 
which  these  men  will  be  separated  will  depend  on  the  nature  of  the 
country  through  which  the  flanking  party  is  passing,  being  much 
greater  in  an  open  country  than  in  a  rough,  broken  country. 

140.  The  example  heretofore  given  of  the  order  of  march  of  a 
small  advance  guard  serves  equally  well  for  a  type  of  a  rear  guard  of 
the  same  strength  if  it  be  considered  as  faced  to  the  rear  throughout. 

141.  In  order  to  save  unnecessary  marching  on  the  part  of  the 
point,  advance  party,  and  support,  it  may,  under  certain  circum- 
stances, be  advantageous  to  assemble  the  advance  guard  on  the 
point.     The  arrival  of  the  advance  guard  in  camp  would  be  such  a 
circumstance.     The  point,  acting  under  instructions  previously  re- 
ceived or  in  response  to  pre-arranged  signals,  would  halt  at  the  des- 
ignated point.     The  other  parts  of  the  advance  guard,  at  the  com- 
mand of  their  respective  chiefs,  move  by  the  shortest  lines  on  the 
point  and  take  their  proper  positions  in  column. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  35 

CHAPTER  VI. 
THE  NONCOMMISSIONED  OFFICER  IN  COMMAND  OF  PATROLS.* 

142.  A  patrol  consists  of  from  three  to  nine  men  under  the  com- 
mand of  a  noncommissioned  officer  or  experienced  private.     It  is  de- 
sirable that  at  least  one  member  of  the  patrol  speak  the  language  of 
the  country  in  which  the  army  is  operating. 

143.  The  patrol  commander  should  be  given  clear  and  definite 
instructions  as  to  the  duty  to  be  performed,  and  he  should  be  re- 
quired to  repeat  them  to  the  members  of  the  patrol  in  the  presence 
of  the  officer  giving  them. 

144.  These  instructions  should  inform  him:     i.  The  object  of 
the  reconnaissance.     2.  What  is  known  about  the  enemy.     3.  The 
nature  of  the  ground  over  which  he  is  to  reconnoiter.     4.  The  di- 
rection or  directions  in  which  he  is  to  reconnoiter.     5 .  How  long  he 
is  to  remain  out.     6.  Where  his  reports  are  to  be  sent.     7.  If  other 
patrols  are  to  be  sent  out  at  the  same  time,  the  particular  route  he 
is  to  follow. 

145.  The  patrol  commander  must  be  certain  that  he  under- 
stands his  instructions  thoroughly.     If  he  has  the  slightest  doubt, 
he  should  ask  for  a  repetition  of  his  orders. 

146.  He  then  inspects  the  patrol,  being  careful  that  each  man 
has  the  proper  amount  of  ammunition,  and  that  none  are  sick,  in- 
toxicated, or  foot-sore.     Any  member  of  the  patrol  having  a  cold 
that  causes  him  to  cough  will  be  replaced.     He  will  see  that  the  arms 
and  accouterments  of  the  patrol  are  so  arranged  that  they  do  not 
rattle  or  glisten. 

147.  He  then  points  out  to  the  patrol  the  positions  of  their  own 

*The  material  for  this  chapter  taken  from  "The  Service  of  Security  and  In- 
formation," by  Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  U.  S. 
Army,  by  permission  of  the  author. 


*  /r.c.o. 

/r.  c.  o. 


* 
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Taitol   of  <bmen 
T'otrol    */  9  /nen  •  ' 

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. 

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•  *  * 


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Patrol  of 
oj>  7  /nen 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  37 

forces,  and  indicates  a  place  of  assembly  in  case  the  patrol  should  be- 
come dispersed  or  members  lost  therefrom.  He  explains  the  signals 
to  be  used,  and  cautions  the  men  that  they  are  not  to  talk  unneces- 
sarily, and  in  whispers  when  they  do;  that  they  must  not  smoke  or 
make  a  light  of  any  kind. 

148.  When  on  the  march,  the  patrol  should  have  the  general 
formation  of  a  main  body,  advance  guard,  rear  guard,  and  flankers, 
even  if  the  different  parts  are  represented  by  one  man  only.     If 
necessary  to  dispense  with  any  of  these  parts,  the  flankers  should 
first  be  dispensed  with. 

149.  The  patrol  must  always  be  so  formed  as  to  facilitate  the 
gaining  of  information,  and  to  insure,  if  possible,  the  escape  of  at 
least  one  man,  if  the  patrol  should  be  cut  off. 

150.  The  distances  between  the  members  of  the  patrol  depend 
upon  circumstances.     They  are  rarely  less  than  twenty-five  or  more 
than  one  hundred  yards.     The  men  should  be  close  enough  to  see 
and  hear  each  other's  signals  and  for  mutual  support. 

151.  When  practicable,  the  point  should  consist  of  two  men, 
one  to  scout  vigilantly  toward  the  enemy,  the  other  to  watch  for 
signals  from  the  other  members  of  the  patrol. 

152.  The  members  of  the  patrol  should  endeavor  to  always 
keep  the  point  in  view,  or,  in  case  of  a  large  patrol,  each  man  should 
endeavor  to  keep  in  sight  the  man  next  him  toward  the  point. 

153.  The   patrol   moves   cautiously,    but   not   timidly,    along 
hedges,  walls,  ditches,  ravines,  etc.,  seeking  in  every  way  to  see 
without  being  seen.     It  halts  frequently  to  listen,  observe,  and  get 
the  bearings  of  the  patrol.     The  commander  should  take  notice  of 
landmarks  and  directions,  in  order  that  he  may  not  lose  his  way. 

154.  The  patrol  should,  if  practicable,  return  by  a  different 
route  than  the  one  followed  on  advance,  as  it  thus  extends  the 
ground  over  which  it  reconnoiters  and  lessens  the  chance  of  being 
cut  off. 

155.  Patrols  should  be  careful  not  to  move  along  great  roads 


38  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

when  it  is  possible  to  observe  them  carefully  without  doing  so. 
They  will  not  ordinarily  enter  villages,  but  will  turn  them  and 
observe  them  carefully. 

156.  The  patrol  should  not  halt  to  rest  before  its  return,  unless 
it  is  imperatively  necessary  to  do  so.     In  such  case  it  should  rest  in 
concealment  in  some  place  which  offers  advantages  for  defense  and 
for  retreat. 

157.  During  the  day  a  patrol  should  march  along  high  ground 
from  which  an  extensive  view  may  be  obtained.     At  night  it  should 
be  on  low  ground,  so  as  to  bring  approaching  people  into  view  on 
the  sky-line. 

158.  If  one  patrol  meets  another  of  the  same  force,  the  com- 
manders  should   exchange   information.     Friendly   patrols   should 
recognize  each  other  quietly.     At  night  they  will  challenge  and 
demand  the  parole  and  countersign. 

159.  When  a  patrol  encounters  a  hostile  ,patrol,  it  is  generally 
better  to  remain  in  concealment  than  to  attack.     When,  however,  a 
hostile  patrol  has  penetrated  so  far  as  to  make  it  probable  that  they 
have  gained  important  information,  an  attempt  should  be  made  to 
surprise  and  capture  it. 

1 60.  If  the  patrol  is  attacked,  it  should  return  the  attack  boldly, 
and,  if  defeated,  should  disperse,  each  man  making  his  way  back  to 
the  rendezvous  designated  beforehand.     If  they  encounter  a  large 
force,  they  should  retreat,  keeping  up  a  lively  fusillade  in  order  to 
give  warning. 

1 6 1 .  If  challenged  by  a  hostile  sentinel,  the  patrol  should  remain 
halted  and  silent.     If  challenged  a  second  time,  it  should  endeavor 
to  sneak  away,  unless  it  has  orders  to  capture  prisoners,  when  a 
sudden  rush  should  be  made  with  a  view  to  capturing  the  sentinel 
before  assistance  can  reach  him. 

162.  Upon  the  approach  of  inhabitants  of  the  country,   the 
patrol  remains  in  concealment.     Should  they  prove  to  be  civilians 
coming  from  the  direction  of  the  enemy,  they  should  be  carefully 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  39 

questioned  as  to  the  whereabouts  of  the  enemy,  what  the  enemy  is 
doing,  his  probable  strength  and  condition,  whether  he  has  patrols 
out,  and  any  information  as  to  the  location  of  roads  leading  to 
the  enemy. 

163.  People  going  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy  should  be  halted 
and  never  permitted  to  pass  unless  they  have  passes  from  undoubted 
authority. 

164.  If  it  becomes  necessary  to  take  a  guide  from  among  the 
people  of  the  country,  he  should  be  treated  kindly,  but  should  be 
warned  that  any  treachery  will  be  promptly  and  severely  punished . 

165.  A  patrol  coming  to  a  cross-roads  should  investigate  each 
road,  sending  two  men  in  each  direction  to  the  first  turn  of  the  road. 
If  anything  is  seen,  one  man  returns  quickly  to  report  while  the  other 
remains  to  observe.     The  same  precautions  will  be  observed  in 
regard  to  heights. 

1 66.  In  case  of  a  defile  which  cannot  be  reconnoitered,  or  a 
bridge  or  ford  where  all  of  the  patrol  cross  at  the  same  place,  the 
patrol  passes  through  in  single  file  and  at  double  time.     In  passing 
through  woods,  the  patrol  should  be  deployed  over  as  large  a  front  as 
possible  with  safety  and  the  wood  passed  in  this  manner.     Upon  ar- 
riving on  the  farther  edge  of  the  wood,  the  patrol  should  remain  con- 
cealed and  observe  carefully  before  passing  out  to  the  open  ground . 

167.  Enclosures,  such  as  gardens,  parks,  cemeteries,  and  houses, 
should  be  approached  and  examined  by  one  or  two  members  of  the 
patrol,  the  rest  of  the  patrol  remaining  in  concealment  where  they 
can  observe  and,  if  necessary,  assist. 

1 68.  A   patrol  should  exercise  great  vigilance  in  entering  a 
village.     A  general  formation  for  so  doing  would  be  to  enter  in  single 
file,   at  proper  distances  for  observation  and  support,  each  man 
being  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street  from  his  predecessor.     If  the 
patrol  is  strong  enough,  it  should  seize  the  postoffice,  telegraph 
office,  and  railroad  station,  and  secure  all  important  papers  that 
may  be  there. 


4o  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

169.  The  best  time  to  enter  a  village  is  at  day-break,  when  it  is 
light  enough  to  see  and  before  the  inhabitants  are  awake. 

170.  If  the  patrol,  advances  to  the  enemy's  position,  it  will 
endeavor  to  ascertain  all  information  concerning  the  length  and 
direction  of  the  position,  the  number  and  positions  of  the  sentinels, 
the  number  and  positions  of  the  pickets,  the  roads  leading  to  the 
position  from  the  front  and  from  the  flanks,  and  whether  the  enemy 
is  making  any  changes  in  his  dispositions.     If  possible,  a  position  on 
the  enemy's  flank  will  be  taken  up  and  information  as  to  location  of 
the  troops  obtained. 

171.  If  the  patrol  encounters  the  enemy  on  the  march,  it  should 
take  up  a  position  where  it  will  be  concealed  and  beyond  the  reach 
of  the  enemy's  flankers,  and  observe  the  progress  of  the  column, 
endeavoring  to  estimate  its  strength  and  its  rate  of  marching.     In 
selecting  a  place  of  concealment,  the  patrol  should  be  careful  to 
avoid  any  conspicuous  places,  even  if  considerable  distances  from 
the  line  of  march  of  the  hostile  column,  as  they  would  in  all  proba- 
bility be  searched.     The  commander  of  the  patrol  should  send  mes- 
sengers back  constantly  and  should  not  hesitate  to  send  back  even 
his  last  man,  if  the  importance  of  the. information  demand  it. 

172.  Reports  should  be  sent  back  whenever  anything  of  im- 
portance is  seen.     If  in  doubt  as  to  the  importance,  a  report  should 
be  sent.     These  reports  may  be  written  or  oral.     If  oral,  the  mes- 
senger should  be  required  to  repeat  the  report  before  starting,  in 
order  to  be  sure  that  he  understands  it.     In  case  of  an  important 
message  in  a  country  where  the  enemy  is  numerous,  it  is  best  to  send 
the  same  message  by  several  men. 

173.  Written  reports  should  be  confined  to  facts,  legibly  written, 
and  brief.     No  more  should  be  said  than  is  necessary  to  state  the 
facts  clearly  and  explicitly. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  41 

CHAPTER  VII. 
ESCORTS.* 

174.  An  escort  is  a  detachment  of  troops  detailed  to  accom- 
pany and  afford  protection  to  supplies,  or  to  officials  travelling  in  a 
hostile  territory,  or  to  conduct  and  guard  prisoners. 

175.  The  size  and  composition  of  escorts  depend  on  various 
factors.     A  large  and  valuable  train,  a  paymaster  with  his  funds, 
or  an  important  official,  requires  a  large  escort.     When  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  an  active  enemy,  a  large  escort  is  necessary.    When  in  an  open 
country,  cavalry  will  be  more  in  demand;  while  in  a  close,  rugged 
country,  infantry  will  preferably  perform  this  duty. 

176.  Generally  speaking,  an  escort  on  the  march  consists  of  a 
main  body,  an  advance  guard,  rear  guard,  and  flankers. 

177.  Escorts   commanded   by   noncommissioned    officers  will 
generally  consist  of  from  five  to  twenty  men  and  will  be  for  the 
purpose  of  guarding  a  small  train  or  a  small  number  of  prisoners. 
For  larger  and  more  important  escorts,  a  commissioned  officer  would 
be  detailed.     Escorts  of  an  insane  patient  or  of  one  or  two  prisoners 
may  consist  of  a  noncommissioned  officer  and  one  or  more  privates. 

178.  The  commander  of  an  escort  will  first  inspect  his  detail 
to  see  that  the  members  thereof  are  properly  armed  and  equipped ; 
that  none  are  sick,  foot-sore,  or  intoxicated ;  that  they  are  properly 
rationed  for  the  trip;  he  will  then  report  to  the  post  adjutant  for 
instructions.     He  then  proceeds  to  the  place  where  the  train  or  the 
prisoners  are  waiting  and  gives  instructions  for  the  forming  of  the 
escort. 

179.  Upon  passing  the  line  of  sentinels  of  the  camp  or  garrison, 

*In  this  chapter  "Organization  and  Tactics,"  by  Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,  U.S.  Army,  was  freely  used  for  much  of  the  material 
on  the  subject  of  escorts  and  convoys  in  hostile  territory. 


£:cort  of    7  /77«/r 
/or  SmaU  Trot*. 


i 


* 

riand*r  9j  £scort 


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Common* 

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44  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

he  causes  the  point  and  flankers  to  be  thrown  out  and  directs  a 
portion  of  the  escort  to  remain  behind  as  a  rear  guard.  The  re- 
mainder of  the  escort  under  the  commander  of  the  escort  takes  its 
position  in  front  of  the  train. 

1 80.  The  point,  flankers,  and  rear  guard  should  compose  about 
half  of  the  escort,  the  other  half  constituting  the  'main  body. 

181.  The  point,  flankers,  and  rear  guard  should  be  at  such  a 
distance  from  the  train  as  to  prevent  its  being  surprised,  but  should 
not  be  so  far  away  as  to  permit  of  being  cut  off  from  the  main  body. 
It  is  best  however,  to  be  far  enough  in  advance  to  discover  and 
engage  the  enemy  at  such  a  distance  that  he  cannot  throw  the  train 
into  confusion. 

182.  An  attacking  force  will  generally  try  to  take  a  train  in  flank. 
Care  should  be  taken  that  a  feint  in  front  does  not  draw  the  entire 
escort  into  action,  thus  leaving  the  train  open  to  a  flank  attack. 

183.  In  passing  a  bridge,  ford,  defile,  or  other  locality  favorable 
for  a  surprise,  the  train  should  be  halted  until  the  advance  guard  has 
passed  and  taken  up  a  position  beyond,  when  the  train  may  proceed. 

184.  Every  member  of  the  escort  should  be  constantly  on  the 
alert  for  any  and  all  indications  of  the  enemy.     No  place  of  possible 
concealment  should  be  passed  without  investigation.     With  small 
escorts,  constant  vigilance  is  the  only  price  of  safety. 

185.  If  attacked,  the  enemy  should  be  engaged  and  held  where 
it  is  encountered — i.  e.,  at  some  distance  from  the  train.     If  the  en- 
gagement results  in  a  victory  for  the  escort,  the  pursuit,  if  any, 
should  be  small.     If  the  enemy  is  in  such  force  as  to  make  a  retreat 
necessary,  care  should  be  exercised  in  turning  the  wagons  around  in 
order  to  prevent  their  upsetting.     One  wagon  upset  in  the  road  may 
block  and  prevent  the  retreat  of  the  entire  train. 

1 86.  In  escorting  prisoners,  the  strength  of  the  escort  is  gen- 
erally fixed  at  one  infantry  soldier  for  every  ten  prisoners.     In  the 
case  of  a  small  number  of  prisoners,  the  proportionate  escort  would 
be  much  larger. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  45 

187.  The  escort  should  be  formed  as  indicated  in  paragraph  179, 
the  prisoners  being  placed  in  some  convenient  formation,  such  as 
column  of  twos,  fours,  etc.     In  this  case  the  main  body  would  march 
in  rear  of  the  column  of  prisoners,  with  single  men  marching  at 
intervals  on  each  side  of  the  column. 

1 88.  If  the  commander  of  the  escort  does  not  speak  the  lan- 
guage of  the  prisoners,  he  should  be  provided  with  an  interpreter 
who  does. 

189.  Prisoners  should  be  treated  with  kindness  and  considera- 
tion, but  should  be  given  to  understand  that  any  attempt  to  escape, 
or  that  any  offer  of  violence  to  their  guard,  will  be  promptly  and 
severely  dealt  with.     They  should  not  be  permitted  to  hold  conver- 
sation or  communication  with  any  one  except  then*  guard,  and  then 
only  when  necessary. 

190.  At  night  they  will  be  placed  in  enclosures  or  buildings, 
if  possible,  but  the  vigilance  of  the  guard  should  in  no  way  be 
relaxed. 

191.  If  halting  for  rest,  or  if  menaced  by  the  enemy,  the  prison- 
ers will  be  closed  in  a  compact  mass.     The  defense  of  a  convoy  of 
prisoners  will  be  conducted  as  indicated  for  that  of  a  train. 

192.  In  time  of  peace  and  when  escorting  military  prisoners,  a 
noncommissioned  officer  will,  upon  the  receipt  of  the  order,  report 
to  the  post  adjutant  for  instructions.     He  will  then  report  with  his 
order  to  the  post  quartermaster  for  the  necessary  transportation. 
If  the  journey  is  to  be  of  more  than  one  day's  duration  and  the  order 
does  not  direct  otherwise,  he  will  report  to  the  post  commissary  for 
rations  for  himself  and  escort,  or  commutation  thereof. 

193.  He  forms  and  inspects  his  detail  as  prescribed  in  para- 
graph 178,  and  proceeds  to  the  designated  place  to  receive  the  pris- 
oners.    He  carefully  verifies  their  number  and  receipts  for  the  same. 
Having  once  received  them,  he  becomes  responsible  for  their  safe- 
keeping, and  will  make  such  disposition  of  his  escort  as  will  in  his 
opinion   insure  their  safe- guarding.     In  case  of  a  small  escort,  or 


Escort  of  7 men 
r  S/no  if  If*  mirer  of  Prisoners.      i 


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48  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

where  it  is  necessary  to  conduct  the  prisoners  through  a  crowded 
district  favorable  for  escape,  such  as  depots,  ferries,  etc.,  or  where 
the  prisoners  are  desperate  characters,  and  an  attempt  at  escape  is 
apprehended,  it  would  be  best  to  handcuff  the  prisoners  in  pairs, 
and,  if  necessary,  handcuff  the  pairs  to  members  of  the  escort. 

194.  In  receiving  military  prisoners,   the  commander  of  the 
escort  will  be  careful  to  verify  the  list  of  clothing  and  other  articles 
of  public  property  in  their  possession.     While  under  his  charge,  he 
is  responsible  that  they  do  not  discard  or  lose  any  of  these  articles. 
The  list  should  be  again  verified  when  the  prisoners  are  turned  over 
at  their  destination. 

195.  When  on  trains  or  boats,  a  sentinel  should  always  be 
posted  over  the  prisoners,  especially  at  night.     When  any  one  pris- 
oner is  separated  from  the  rest — to  go  to  the  water-closet,  etc. — he 
should  always  be  accompanied  by  a  sentinel,  with  instructions  to 
keep  the  prisoner  constantly  in  sight. 

196.  In  conducting  the  prisoners  and  while  waiting  in  depots, 
ferries,  etc.,  it  is  best  to  select  some  inconspicuous  position  and  avoid 
being  an  object  of  public  curiosity. 

197.  Upon  arrival  at  the  destination,  the  party  will  proceed  to 
the  office  of  the  post  adjutant,  or,  if  it  be  a  prison,  to  the  office  of  the 
officer  in  charge,  and  the  commander  of  the  escort  will  report  his  ar- 
rival.    In  reporting,  the  commander  of  the  escort  should  say:     "Sir, 

Sergeant  (or  Corporal)  So-and-So,  Co. , Infantry,  reports 

his  arrival  from  Fort  -     -  with  (so  many)  prisoners."     He  will 
then  dispose  of  his  prisoners  as  directed  by  the  official,  taking  a 
receipt  for  them.     Having  turned  over  his  prisoners,  he  will  then 
report  to  the  proper  authorities  for  subsistence  and  transportation 
for  himself  and  escort  to  their  proper  station. 

198.  Upon  return  to  his  proper  station,  he  will  report  his  return 
to  the  post  adjutant  and  turn  in  the  receipt  for  the  prisoners. 

199.  While  en  route,  the  commander  of  the  escort  will  not 
permit  the  use  of  intoxicants  by  either  the  members  of  the  escort  or 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  49 

by  the  prisoners,  and  he  will  not  permit  them  to  annoy  or  disturb  the 
public  by  noisy  or  disorderly  conduct. 

200.  If  it  should  become  necessary  to  remain  over  night  in 
cities,  towns,  or  other  localities  where  it  is  impossible  to  properly 
guard  the  prisoners  under  his  charge,  the  commander  of  the  escort 
will  make  application  at  a  police  station  or  jail  for  permission  to 
lock  his  prisoners  up  for  the  night. 

20 1.  An  insane  soldier  will  be  escorted  by  a  noncommissioned 
officer.     When  a  number  are  sent  at  one  time,  or  when  the  patient 
or  patients  are  violent,  the  department  commander  may  order  such 
addition  to  the  escort  as  may  be  necessary.     The  noncommissioned 
officer  will  report  to  the  Adjutant- General  of  the  Army  by  telegraph, 
at  least  twenty-four  hours  in  advance,  the  probable  time  and  place 
of  his  arrival  in  Washington.     After  leaving  his  patient  at  the 
asylum,  the  noncommissioned  officer  will  report  to  the  Adjutant- 
General  of  the  Army  for  instructions.     A.  R.  467. 

202.  Upon  receipt  of  the  order  for  this  duty,  the  noncommis- 
sioned officer  will  report,  as  prescribed  in  paragraph  192,  for  in- 
structions, subsistence,  and  transportation. 

203.  If,  upon  arrival  in  Washington,  there  is  neither  transpor- 
tation nor  instructions  awaiting  the  noncommissioned  officer  at  the 
place  of  arrival,  he  should  remain  at  that  point  and  telephone  the 
Adjutant- General's  office  for  instructions. 

204.  While  traveling  or  waiting  in  public  places,  the  noncom- 
missioned officer  should  endeavor  to  make  himself  and  his  patient 
or  patients  as  inconspicuous  as  possible. 

205.  The  funeral  escort  of  a  noncommissioned  staff  officer  will 
consist  of  sixteen  men,  commanded  by  a  sergeant;  of  a  sergeant, 
fourteen  men,  commanded  by  a  sergeant;  of  a  corporal,  twelve  men, 
commanded  by  a  corporal;  of  a  private,  eight  men,  commanded  by 
a  corporal.     A.  R.  428. 

206.  A  funeral  escort  is  formed  opposite  the  tent  or  quarters  of 
the  deceased,  the  band  being  on  the  flank  of  the  escort  toward  which 


5O  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

it  is  to  march.  Upon  the  appearance  of  the  coffin,  the  commander 
of  the  escort  commands :  i .  Present,  2 .  A  rms,  and  the  band  plays 
an  appropriate  air.  Arms  are  then  brought  to  the  order,  after 
which  the  coffin  is  taken  to  the  flank  of  the  escort  opposite  the  music. 

207.  If  the  escort  be  small,  as  in  the  case  of  the  escort  of  an  en- 
listed man,  the  escort  may  be  marched  in  line.     The  procession  being 
formed,  the  commander  of  the  escort  puts  it  in  march,  arms  at  the 
right  shoulder. 

208.  The  escort  marches  slowly  to  solemn  music;  the  column 
having  arrived  opposite  the  grave,  line  is  formed  facing  it.     The 
coffin  is  then  carried  along  the  front  of  the  escort  to  the  grave,  arms 
are  presented,  the  music  plays  an  appropriate  air;  the  coffin  having 
been  placed  over  the  grave,   the  music  ceases  and  the  arms  are 
brought  to  the  order. 

209.  The  commander  of  the  escort  next  commands :     i.  Parade, 
2.  Rest.     The  escort  executes  parade  rest,  the  officers  and  men  in- 
clining the  head  to  the  front. 

210.  When  the  funeral  services  are  completed  and  the  coffin 
lowered  into  the  grave,  the  commander  of  the  escort  causes  the  escort 
to  resume  attention  and  fire  three  rounds  of  blank  cartridges,  the 
muzzles  of  the  pieces  being  elevated. 

211.  The  escort  will  be  brought  to  attention  by  the  command: 
i.  Escort,     2.  Attention.     To  fire  the  volleys,  the  commands   are 
as  follows:    i.   With  blank  cartridges,   2.  Squad,   3.  Load,   4.  Ready, 
5.  Aim,  6.  Squad,  7.  Fire,  8.  Load.     When  three  volleys  have  been 
fired,   the  command:     i.  Cease,     2.   Firing,  will  be  given.     After 
the  trumpeter  has  sounded  "Taps,"  the  escort  is  formed  into  column, 
marched  in  quick  time  to  the  point  where  it  was  assembled,  and 
dismissed. 

212.  When  the  distance  to  the  place  of  interment  is  considerable, 
the  escort,  after  having  left  the  camp  or  garrison,  may  march  at  ease 
until  it  approaches  the  burial-ground,  when  it  is  called  to  attention. 

213.  When  necessary  to  escort  the  remains  from  the  quarters 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  5 1 

of  the  deceased  to  the  church  before  the  funeral  service,  arms  are 
presented  upon  receiving  the  remains  at  the  quarters,  and  also  as 
they  are  borne  into  the  church. 

214.  When  escorting  the  remains  to  some  point  for  transporta- 
tion, the  escort  presents  arms  while  the  remains  are  being  transferred 
from  the  hearse  and  embarked  for  transportation. 


52  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
OUTFOST  DUTY.* 

215.  Outposts  are  detachments  thrown  out  from  a  force,  when 
halted,  to  protect  it  from  surprise.     Like  advance  guards  on  the 
march,  outposts  are  charged  with  the  duty  of  observation  and  re- 
sistance.    They   prevent   reconnaissance    of   the   position    by  the 
enemy's  scouts  and  patrols,  give  warning  of  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  and  offer  sufficient  resistance  to  the  enemy's  attacks  to 
enable  the  main  body  to  prepare  for  action. 

216.  The  duties  of  the  outposts  may  be  classified  as  follows: 

1.  Observation:     To    observe   constantly    all    approaches   by 
which  the  enemy  might  advance;  to  watch  and  immediately  report 
the  movements  of  the  enemy. 

2.  Resistance:     To    prevent   reconnaissance    by   the    enemy; 
above  all,  to  check  the  advance  of  the  enemy  long  enough  to  enable 
the  main  body  to  prepare  for  action. 

217.  The  outpost  is  divided  into  four  parts — namely:     (i)  Sen- 
tinels or  vedettes,  (2)  pickets,  (3)  supports,  (4)  reserve.     The  sen- 
tinels occupy  the  line  of  observation;  the  supports  usually  occupy 
the  line  of  resistance. 

218.  The  strength  of  the  reserve  varies  from  one- third  to  one- 
half  of  the  entire  outpost,  the  rest  of  the  outpost  constituting  the 
supports  and  pickets.     Bach  picket  depends  on  the  number  of  sen- 
tinels and  patrols  it  has  to  furnish,  and  each  support  should  be  equal 
to  the  aggregate  of  all  the  pickets  it  supports. 

219.  The  outpost  should  cover  the  front  of  the  force  it  is  pro- 
tecting and  overlap  its  flanks  unless  they  are  protected  by  impassable 
obstacles. 

*The  material  for  this  chapter  is  taken  from  "The  Service  of  Security  and 
Information,"  by  the  late  Colonel  Arthur  L.  Wagner,  Assistant  Adjutant-Gen- 
eral, U.  S.  Army,  by  permission  of  the  author. 


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Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  55 

220.  The  disposition  of  the  parts  of  an  outpost  and  the  distances 
between  the  parts  thereof  are  shown  in  the  accompanying  plates, 
both  of  which  show  permissible  formations  for  outposts. 

221.  The  duties  of  noncommissioned  officers  on  outpost  will  in 
general  be  confined  to  the  command  of  examining  posts,  detached 
posts,  Cossack  posts,  the  posting,  inspecting,  instructing,  and  re- 
lieving of  sentinels,  and  in  the  group  system  of  posting  sentinels,  in 
the  command  of  one  or  more  groups. 

222.  An  examining  post  is  a  point  designated  on  the  line  of  the 
outposts  at  which  all  persons  desiring  to  pass  the  line  of  outposts 
must  present  themselves  for  examination  and  authority. 

223.  It  will  consist  of  an  officer  or  noncommissioned  officer  and 
six  men — three  reliefs  for  one  double  sentinel  post. 

224.  Upon  the  approach  of  any  person  to  the  examining  post, 
one  of  the  sentinels  advances  and  halts  him  at  some  distance  from 
the  line,  while  the  other  notifies  the  commander  of  the  post,  who 
examines  the  stranger  and  either  allows  him  to  pass  or  conducts  him 
to  the  commander  of  the  picket. 

225.  Any  person  approaching  the  line  of  sentinels  at  any  other 
than  the  designated  point  is  passed  along  from  post  to  post,  until  he 
is  brought  to  the  examining  post.     Care,  should  be  taken  that  such 
person  is  not  afforded  an  opportunity  to  observe  the  location  of  the 
pickets  or  supports. 

226.  The  bearers  of  a  flag  of  truce  will  not,  as  a  rule,  be  per- 
mitted to  pass  the  line  of  sentinels.     When  such  persons  or  other 
suspected  persons  are  passed  beyond  the  line  of  sentinels,  they  will 
be  blindfolded. 

227.  The  commander  of  an  examining  post  should  exercise  the 
greatest  care  in  the  examination  of  persons  before  allowing  them  to 
pass,  and  in  case  of  any  doubt  should  report  to  the  next  higher 
authority,  first  blindfolding  the  person  before  sending  him  farther 
within  the  lines. 

228.  A  detached  post  is  a  detail  of  from  three  to  twelve  men 


56  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

under  an .  officer  or  noncommissioned  officer,  detached  from  a  picket 
to  protect  an  exposed  point  or  support  an  isolated  sentinel. 

229.  A  noncommissioned  officer  in  command  of  a  detached  post 
should,  upon  arrival  at  the  designated  place,  post  a  sentinel  or  sen- 
tinels so  that  they  may  best  observe  the  surrounding  country  with- 
out unnecessarily  exposing  themselves  to  view.     He  should  then 
place  the  remainder  of  the  detachment  where  it  will  be  concealed 
from  view  and  at  the  same  time  be  within  easy  reach  of  the  sentinel. 

230.  He  will  require  the  men  to  remain  under  arms  at  all  times, 
and  will  not  permit  noise  among  them.     He  will  not  permit  fires  to  be 
lighted. 

231.  If  the  post  be  important,  and  it  is  thought  that  an  at- 
tempt might  be  made  by  the  enemy  to  capture  it,  it  may  be  en- 
trenched with  hasty  entrenchments,  the  fresh  earth  being  covered  by 
sod  and  the  branches  of  trees. 

232.  The  times  and  methods  of  posting  and  relieving  sentinels 
will  be  prescribed  by  the  commander  of  the  outpost. 

233.  Sentinels  may  be  posted  singly  or  in  pairs;  in  the  latter 
case,  both  should  be  constantly  on  the  alert,  and  when  anything  sus- 
picious is  observed,  one  should  go  and  investigate,  while  the  other 
remains  on  post.     They  should  be  posted  far  enough  apart  to 
prevent  easy  conversation. 

234.  The  noncommissioned  officers  will  see  that  the  sentinels 
do  not  smoke,  or  have  about  them  any  glittering  accouterments. 
Bxcept  in  foggy  weather  or  on  a  dark  night,  they  will  see  that  they 
keep  their  bayonets  in  the  scabbards. 

235.  In  instructing  sentinels,  they  will  see  that  each  sentinel 
thoroughly  understands  the  following : 

i.  The  countersign.  2.  The  number  of  his  own  post.  3.  The 
number  and  position  of  his  own  picket  and  the  name  of  its  com- 
mander. 4.  The  position  of  the  neighboring  sentinels  and  the  ex- 
amining post  when  there  is  one.  5.  The  direction  of  the  enemy  and 
the  probable  line  of  his  advance.  6.  The  point  to  which  all  roads, 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  57 

paths,  and  railroads  in  sight  lead.  7.  The  names  of  all  villages  and 
rivers  in  view.  8.  The  signals  by  which  he  should  communicate 
with  the  pickets  and  detached  posts.  9.  The  principal  thing  is  to 
see  that  the  sentinel  knows  where  to  look  for  the  enemy  and  what  to 
do  if  he  sees  him. 

236.  Deserters  from  the  enemy  are  halted  at  some  distance 
from  the  post,  and  required  to  lay  down  their  arms.     The  com- 
mander of  the  picket  is  at  once  notified.     If  the  deserters  are  pur- 
sued by  the  enemy,  they  are  ordered  to  halt,  and  if  they  do  not  do  so, 
they  are  fired  upon. 

237.  In  posting  sentinels,  the  most  intelligent  men  should  be 
assigned  to  the  most  important  posts.     It  is  advisable  to  keep  men 
on  the  same  posts  instead  of  changing  them  to  new  posts  each  time 
they  are  posted. 

238.  A  sentinel    on  post  pays  no  compliments  and  takes  no 
notice  of  any  of  his  officers  who  come  upon  his  post,  unless  ad- 
dressed by  them,  except  so  far  as  may  be  necessary  to  challenge 
and  identify  them. 

239.  Outposts  should,  as  a  rule,  avoid  unnecessary  movements 
tending  to  bring  on  an  engagement;  but,  if  attacked,  should  resist 
stubbornly,  in  order  to  give  the  main  body  time  to  prepare  for  action. 
The  chief  resistance  is  usually  made  on  the  line  of  the  supports. 
The  pickets  will,  as  a  general  rule,  advance  in  line  of  skirmishers  to 
the  line  of  the  sentinels;  the  whole  line  then  falls  back  to  the  line 
of  the  supports. 

240.  A  Cossack  post  consists  of  four  men — i.  e.,  three  men  and 
a  noncommissioned  officer  or  experienced  private.     When  Cossack 
posts  are  used,  the  line  of  pickets  is  dispensed  with  and  the  posts  are 
sent  out  directly  from  the  supports. 

241.  When  using  the  Cossack  posts,  the  sentinels  are  posted 
singly,  one  being  sent  out  from  each  post,  the  other  two  and  the 
noncommissioned  officer  remaining  concealed  in  rear  and  within 
easy  distance.     The  sentinel  is  posted  from  ten  to  twenty  yards  in 


58  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

front  of  the  post,  in  a  position  where  he  can  best  observe  the  sur- 
rounding country. 

242.  The  members  of  the  post  should  keep  the  sentinel  in 
constant  view.     Bachfost  should  be  intrenched  and  should  be  so 
stationed  that  it  is  able  to  cross  its  fire  with  that  of  the  posts  on  both 
sides  of  it. 

243.  The  duties  of  the  noncommissioned  officer  in  command  of 
a  Cossack  post  are  the  same  as  those  prescribed  for  a  noncommis- 
sioned officer  in  command  of  a  relief  when  pickets  are  used. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  59 

CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  FIRST  SERGEANT. 

244.  The  first  sergeant  of  a  company  or  organization  is  selected 
by  the  company  commander  for  his  excellence  of  character,  capacity 
to  command  the  respect  and  obedience  of  the  enlisted  men,  intelli- 
gence, efficiency,  and  military  bearing.     He  assists  the  company 
commander  and  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  company  in  the 
discipline,  instruction,  and  administration  of  the  company. 

245.  The  first  sergeant  is  the  senior  noncommissioned  officer 
of  the  organization  to  which  he  belongs,  and,  in  the  absence  of  the 
commissioned  officers,  he  is  responsible  for  the  preservation  of  order, 
the  maintenance  of  discipline,   and  the  enforcing  of  orders  and 
regulations  in  the  company. 

246.  He  is  responsible  under  the  company  commmander  for 
the  proper  care  and  preservation  of  all  company  books  and  records. 
He  will  supervise  the  company  clerk  in  all  of  the  clerical  work  per- 
taining to  the  company,  such  as  the  preparation  of  rolls,  reports, 
requisitions,  and  letters,  and  he  will  see  that  the  proper  and  appro- 
priate entries  of  all  papers  pertaining  to  or  passing  through  the 
company  office  are  made  in  the  company  books  of  record;    he  will 
see  that  the  files  of  orders,  circulars,  letters,  retained  copies  of  rolls, 
returns,  reports,  etc.,  are  properly  kept. 

247.  He  will  have  personal  charge  of  all  rosters  of  the  noncom- 
missioned officers  and  men  of  the  company.     He  will  keep  these 
rosters  and  will  personally  make  all  details  for  duty  to  which  the 
noncommissioned  officers  and  men  of  the  company  may  be  subject 
from  time  to  time. 

248.  A  roster  is  a  list  of  officers  or  men  for  duty,  with  a  record 
of  the  duty  performed  by  each.     Generally,  details  for  duty  are  so 
made  that  the  one  longest  off  is  the  first  for  duty.     A.  R.  355. 


60  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

249.  All  details  for  service  in  garrison  and  in  field,  except  the 
authorized  special  and  extra-duty  details,  will  be  by  roster;  but 
officers  or -enlisted  men,  when  detailed,  must  serve,  whether  a  roster 
be  kept  or  not.     A.  R.  356. 

250.  Rosters  are  distinct  for  each  class.     Sergeants,  corporals, 
musicians,  and  privates  form  distinct  rosters.     Details  are  made  in 
succession  according  to  roster,  beginning  at  the  head. 

251.  In  making  details  by  roster,  an  officer  or  enlisted  man 
is  each  day  charged  with  the  number  of  days  that  he  has  remained 
present  and  available  for  duty  since  his  last  tour.     A.  R.  360. 

252.  The  first  sergeant  will  attend  all  formations  of  the  com- 
pany, unless  otherwise  directed  by  the  company  commander  or 
other  competent  authority. 

253.  At  the  soundirig  of  the  assembly,  the  first  sergeant  takes 
his  position  six  paces  in  front  of  where  the  center  of  the  company  is 
to  be,  and,  facing  it,  draws  saber  and  commands:     Fall  in. 

The  second  sergeant  places  himself,  facing  to  the  front,  where 
the  right  of  the  company  is  to  rest,  and  at  such  a  point  that  the 
center  of  the  company  will  be  six  paces  from  and  opposite  the  first 
sergeant;  the  squads  form,  facing  to  the  front,  in  their  proper  places 
on  the  left  of  the  second  sergeant,  superintended  by  the  other  ser- 
geants, who  then  take  their  posts. 

The  first  sergeant  commands:  Report.  Remaining  in  position 
at  the  order,  the  squad  leaders,  in  succession  from  the  right,  salute 

and  report:  "All  present";  or,  " Private (s) absent"  The 

first  sergeant  does  not  return  the  salutes  of  the  squad  leaders. 

Squads  of  less  than  six  men  are  increased  or  broken  up  as  pro- 
vided for  the  left  squad. 

The  first  sergeant  then  brings  his  piece  to  the  right  shoulder, 
commands:  i.  Port,  2.  Arms,  3.  Open,  4.  Chamber,  5.  Close,  6. 
Chamber,  7.  Order,  8.  Arms,  faces  about,  salutes  the  captain,  re- 
ports: "Sir,  all  present  or  accounted  for" ;  or,  the  names  of  the  un- 
authorized absentees,  and  without  command  takes  his  post,  passing 
around  the  right  flank. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  61 

This  formation  is  used  in  the  field  and,  as  far  as  practicable,  in 
camp  and  garrison. 

When  the  company  becomes  reduced  in  numbers  and  the  squads 
broken  up,  the  men  fall  in  without  regard  to  squads  but  in  their 
relative  order,  closing  to  the  right  so  as  to  leave  no  blank  files;  the 
corporals  place  themselves  as  number  four,  front  rank;  the  sergeants 
superintend  the  formation  and  take  their  posts.  The  first  sergeant 
then  brings  the  company  to  the  right  shoulder,  retains  the  order 
himself,  and  calls  the  roll;  each  man,  as  his  name  is  called,  answers 
"Here"  and  comes  to  the  order.  The  first  sergeant  brings  his  piece 
to  the  right  shoulder,  causes  the  company  to  count  off,  forms  the 
left  squad,  and  if  the  company  is  large  enough,  divides  it  into  pla- 
toons and  sections;  he  then  brings  the  company  to  port  arms,  and 
the  formation  continues  as  explained  in  the  preceding  paragraph. 

254.  The  post  of  the  first  sergeant,  when  the  company  is  in  line, 
is  in  the  line  of  file-closers  in  rear  of  the  second  file  from  the  right  of 
the  first' platoon. 

255.  At  retreat  roll  call,  when  there  is  no  commissioned  officer 
present  with  the  company,  the  first  sergeant  will,  after  having  called 
the  roll,  dress  the  compaany  to  the  right,  bring  the  company  to 
parade  rest,  and,  taking  his  position  on  the  right  of  the  right  guide, 
execute  parade  rest.     At  the  conclusion  of  retreat  he  will  bring  the 
company  to  attention  and  remain  in  this  position  until  the  com- 
pletion of  the  playing  of  "The  Star-Spangled  Banner,"  when  he  will 
dismiss  the  company  and  report  to  the  proper  officer  at  the  des- 
ignated place  the  result  of  the  roll  call.     Where  one  officer  superin- 
tends the  roll  call  of  several  companies  at  reveille,  the  company  will 
be  dismissed  before  the  report  is  rendered.     At  formation  for  muster, 
no  report  of  the  roll  call  is  rendered  to  the  officer  superintending 
the  formation. 

256.  He  will  immediately  after  breakfast  each  day  make  up 
the  sick  report  book  of  the  company,  placing  therein  the  names  of 
any  officers,  noncommissioned  officers,  and  men  ^of^the^company 


62  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

who  may  desire  medical  treatment.  He  will  report  with  the  sick 
report  book  to  the  company  commander  in  ample  time  to  permit  of 
its  being  signed  and  presented  by  the  sick  marcher  at  the  hospital 
at  sick  call. 

257.  Upon  return  of  the  sick  report  from  the  hospital,  he  will 
make  up  the  company  morning  report  and  will  present  it  to  the  com- 
pany commander  for  signature,  together  with  any  other  papers  or 
letters   requiring  his  signature,   before  eight  o'clock.     When  the 
morning  report  book  has  been  signed  by  the  company  commander, 
the  first  sergeant  will  deliver  it  to  the  post  sergeant-major  at  such 
time  and  place  as  may  be  designated  by  the  post  commander. 

258.  At  first  sergeant's  call  he  will  proceed  to  the  adjutant's 
office  and  obtain  the  company  morning  report  book.     While  there, 
he  will  inspect  the  bulletin-board  in  the  office  of  the  sergeant-major 
and  will  carefully  note  the  particulars  of  all  details  and  instructions 
concerning  his  company  which  may  be  posted  thereon.     He  will  also 
report  to  the  sergeant-major  for  any  additional  instructions  which 
the  latter  may  have. 

259.  Upon  returning  from  the  adjutant's  office,  he  will  make 
out  from  the  roster  the  company  guard  detail  for  the  following  day 
and  will  post  a  copy  of  the  same  on  the  company  bulletin-board. 
This  detail,  together  with  the  other  details  for  noncommissioned 
officers  in  charge  of  quarters,  room  orderly  or  orderlies,  and  details 
for  company  fatigue  or  police,  will  be  published  by  the  first  sergeant 
at  the  conclusion  of  the  formation  for  retreat  roll  call. 

260.  At  the  assembly  for  guard  mounting,  the  men  warned  for 
duty  fall  in  on  their  company  parade-grounds,  facing  to  the  front, 
noncommissioned  officers  and  supernumeraries  falling  in  as  file- 
closers;  each  first  sergeant  then  verifies  his  detail,  opens  ranks,  in- 
spects the  dress  and  general  appearance,  replaces  by  a  supernu- 
merary any  man  unfit  to  march  on  guard,  and  then  closes  ranks. 
(The  detail  is  then  marched  to  the  vicinity  of  the  parade-ground  or 
other  place  designated  for  the  mounting  of  the  guard.)     When  ad- 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  63 

jutant's  call  has  sounded  and  the  sergeant-major  has  taken  his  post, 
the  band  plays  in  quick  time  and  the  details  are  marched  at  the 
right  shoulder  by  the  first  sergeants  and  halted  successively  on  the 
line  established  by  the  sergeant-major;  the  detail  that  arrives  first 
is  so  marched  to  the  line  that,  upon  halting,  the  breast  of  the  right 
front-rank  man  shall  be  near  to  and  opposite  the  left  arm  of  the 
sergeant-major;  the  first  sergeant,  remaining  at  the  right  shoulder, 
halts  his  detail,  places  himself  in  front  of  and  facing  the  sergeant- 
major  at  a  distance  equal  to  or  a  little  greater  than  the  front  of 
his  detail;  he  then  commands:  i.  Right,  2.  Dress.  The  detail 
dresses  up  to  the  line  of  the  sergeant-major  and  the  first  sergeant, 
the  right  front-rank  man  placing  his  breast  against  the  left  arm  of 
the  sergeant-major;  the  non-commissioned  officers  take  post  two 
paces  and  the  supernumeraries  nine  paces  in  rear  of  the  rear  rank  o  f 
the  detail.  Seeing  the  detail  aligned,  the  first  sergeant  commands: 
Front;  salutes  with  the  rifle  salute,  and  then  reports:  "The  detail 
is  correct'';  or,  "(So  many)  sergeants,  corporals,  or  privates  absent"; 
he  then  passes  by  the  right  of  the  guard  and  takes  post  three  paces 
in  rear  of  his  supernumerary,  at  the  order. 

The  details  alternate  in  taking  the  right  of  the  line. 

261.  The  first  sergeants  and  supernumeraries  come  to  parade 
rest  and  attention  with  the  guard;  they  remain  at  the  order  arms 
while  the  guard  is  being  presented  and  formed  into  column.     The 
senior  first  sergeant  commands:     i.  Parade,   2.  Rest,  at  the  com- 
mand March  for  passing  in  review,  and   i .  Supernumeraries,   2 .  At- 
tention, when  the  officers  of  the  day  come  to  attention.     The  first 
sergeants  come  to  parade  rest  and  attention  with  the  supernu- 
meraries.    The  rear  of  the  column  having  passed  the  officers  of  the 
day,  each  first  sergeant  marches  his  supernumerary  to  the  company 
parade  and  dismisses  him. 

262.  Guard  mounting,  when  there  is  but  the  one  detail,  is  held 
as  previously  described;  the  detail  is  marched  on  as  described  for 
the  first  detail,  the  supernumeraries  are  distributed  uniformly  on 


64  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

the  line  nine  paces  in  rear  of  the  rear  rank,  and  the  first  ser- 
geant places  himself  three  paces  in  rear  of  the  center  of  the  line  of 
supernumeraries. 

263.  The  duties  herein  described  for  the  first  sergeant  may  be 
performed  by  other  sergeants  not  detailed  for  guard. 

264.  After  parade,  the  major  may  direct  the  company  officers 
to  form  line  in  order  of  rank  on  the  left  of  the  staff,  in  which  case  the 
music  ceases  when  the  officers  join  the  staff.     After  closing  ranks, 
the  major  causes  the  companies  to  pass  in  review,  under  command 
of  their  first  sergeants,  by  the  same  commands  as  before.     The 
company  officers  return  saber  with  the  major. 

265.  The  stopping  of  the  music  is  the  signal  to  the  first  sergeants 
that  the  officers  are  not  to  return  and,  in  consequence,  that  they  are 
in  command  of  their  respective  companies.     They  should  take  their 
posts  on  the  right  of  the  right  guides  immediately,  moving  there  and 
to  the  head  of  the  company  when  column  of  squads  is  formed,  at  the 
trail  and  coming  to  the  right  shoulder  when  the  men  in  ranks  do. 
Each  first  sergeant  gives  the_commands :     i.  Squads  right,  2.   Com- 
pany,  6.  Forward. 

A  noncommissioned  officer  in  command  of  a  company  at  parade 
takes  post,  after  dressing  the  company,  on  the  right  of  the  right 
guide.  Before  bringing ^the  company  to  parade  rest,  he  conies  to 
the  trail,  steps  two  paces  to  the  front  and  faces  to  the  left,  retaining 
the  piece  at  the  trail;  having  given  his  commands,  he  resumes  his 
post  and  comes  to  the  parade  rest. 

In  reporting,  with  his  piece  at  the  order,  he  salutes  with  the  rifle 
salute  and  reports:  "Sir,  (Such)  company,  present  or  accounted  for" , 
or,  "(So  many}  enlisted  men  absent."  After  reporting,  he  resumes 
the  order  arms. 

266.  The  first  sergeant  will  at  all  times  perform  the  duties  of 
file-closer  in  rectifying  mistakes  and  insuring  steadiness  in  ranks. 

267.  In  movements  of  the  company  from  line  into  column  and 
the  reverse,  he  retains  his  position  in  rear  of  or  on  the  flank  of  the 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  65 

right  four.  The  first  sergeant  always  remains  with  the  original 
first  platoon,  when  in  line,  in  rear  of  the  second  file  from  the  outer 
flank,  taking  the  corresponding  position  when  the  platoons  unite  in 
column  of  squads. 

268.  In  extended  order,  the  post  of  the  first  sergeant  is  in  the 
line  of  sergeants,  in  rear  of  the  base  squad.     Should  the  captain  be 
called  from  his   post  in  front  of  the  base  squad  during  the  advance, 
the  first  sergeant  takes  such  post  in  order  that  all  may  be  constantly 
aware  of  the  position  of  the  base  squad.     On  return  of  the  captain, 
the  first  sergeant  drops  back  to  his  post  in  rear  of  the  base  squad. 

269.  In  the  advance  guard  formation,  where  the  company  forms 
the  advance  guard  of  a  larger  body,  the  first  sergeant  is  in  command 
of  the  advance  party.     In  the  rear  guard  he  commands  the  corre- 
sponding element  of  the  rear  guard. 

270.  Upon  assignment  to  the  company  of  a  recruit  or  of  a  man 
transferred  thereto  from  another  organization,   the  first  sergeant 
will  at  once  enter  in  the  books  of  the  company  the  facts  contained 
in  the  descriptive  and  assignment  card  or  in  the  descriptive  list 
of  the  man.     He  will  assign  him  to  quarters  and  to  a  squad  in  the 
company.     He  will  have  issued  to  him  by  the  quartermaster-sergeant 
a  complete    equipment  of  ordnance  and  quartermaster   property. 
He  will  prepare  a  requisition  for  such  clothing  as  the  recruit  may  need. 

271.  Upon  the  discharge  of  a  man  from  the  company,  he  wilt 
prepare  the  discharge  and  final  statements  of  the  man  for  the  sig- 
nature of  the  company  commander  or  will  supervise  the  company 
clerk  in  so  doing.     He  will  cause  the  man  to  turn  in  to  the  quar- 
termaster-sergeant all  ordnance  or  quartermaster  property  in  his 
possession;  should  any  be  missing,  he  will  cause  the  value  of  the 
missing  articles  to  be  charged  against  the  account  of  the  man  on  his 
final  statements.     When  a  man  has  been  discharged,  his  accounts 
will  be  closed  in  the  company  books,  and  they  will  be  prepared  for 
the  signature  of  the  company  commander.     Should  the  man  re- 
enlist,  he  is  regarded  as  a  recruit  and  new  accounts  opened. 


66  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

272.  Upon  the  transfer  of  a  man  from  his  company  or  the  de- 
parture of  a  man  from  the  post  of  his  company  for  detached  service, 
the  first  sergeant  will  at  once  prepare  a  descriptive  list,  setting  forth 
the  facts  of  his  payment,  the  condition  of  his  clothing  allowances, 
and  all  facts  necessary  to  the  settlement  of  his  accounts  with  the 
Government  if  he  should  be  discharged.     This  descriptive  list  is 
forwarded  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  post  or  detachment  to 
which  the  man  is  sent. 

273.  In  case  of  the  death  or  desertion  of  an  enlisted  man  of 
the  company,  the  first  sergeant  will  at  once  secure  the  effects  and 
Government    property   for   which    the    deceased    or    the    deserter 
was    responsible   and  hold   them   for   the   action   of   the  company 
commander. 

274.  He  will,  each  day,  make  out  a  list  of  the  men  in  the  com- 
pany desiring  passes;  he  will  then  make  out  for  each  man  a  pass 
for  the  desired  time  and  will  present  these  passes  with  the  morning 
report  to  the  company  commander  for  approval   and   signature. 
When  signed  by  the  company  commander,  they  should  be  delivered 
at  the  adjutant's  office  with  the  morning  report. 

2740.  The  first  sergeant,  upon  being  directed  by  the  captain  to 
dismiss  the  company,  remaining  in  place,  brings  his  piece  to  the  right 
shoulder  and  salutes,  then  steps  three  paces  to  the  front  and  two 
paces  to  the  right  of  the  company  and  commands:  i.  Port,  2. 
Arms,  3.  Open,  4.  Chamber,  5.  Close,  6.  Chamber,  7.  Dismissed. 

2746.  The  first  sergeant  should  keep  a  list  of  the  sizes  of  the 
clothing  of  all  men  in  the  company. 

He  should  see  that  all  outer  clothing  is  properly  marked  with 
the  initials  of  the  owner  and  the  letter  of  the  company.  This  assists 
in  preventing  the  sale  of  clothing  by  men  of  the  company  to  recruits 
and  others. 

He  should  require  squad  leaders  to  keep  a  proper  check  on  the 
clothing  of  the  men,  especially  the  recruits,  of  their  squads. 

He  should  remind  the  company  commander  to  read  the  Articles 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  67 

of  War  to  the  company,  at  least  twice  a  year,  generally  in  January 
and  June,  and  to  recruits  within  a  day  or  two  after  they  join. 

He  should  keep  a  book,  with  one  page  to  each  officer  and  man 
of  the  company,  and  note  therein  anything  such  as  detail  to  extra, 
special  or  detached  duty,  relief  therefrom,  absence  with  or  without 
leave,  court-martial  fines,  furloughs,  etc. — in  fact,  all  data  which  is 
necessary  in  the  preparation  of  muster-  and  pay-rolls. 

He  should  see  that  clothing  and  equipments  belonging  to  the 
men  of  the  company  are  arranged  in  an  orderly  and  uniform  manner. 

After  retreat  each  night,  he  should  furnish  the  noncommissioned 
officer  in  charge  of  quarters  with  a  list  of  the  men  who  will  be  absent 
by  authority  from  11:00  p.  m.  inspection  of  quarters. 

In  making  details  for  duty  from  the  company,  he  should  be 
careful  that  extra  work  is  distributed  equally  among  the  members 
of  the  company,  thus  avoiding  discontent  in  the  company. 

He  should  also  keep  the  data  from  which  the  history  of  the 
company  may  be  compiled. 


SUPPLEMENTARY  TO  CHAPTER  "THE 
FIRST  SERGEANT." 

LIST  OF  REPORTS  AND  RETURNS  TO  BE  RENDERED  BY  COMMANDING 
OFFICERS  OF  COMPANIES. 

DAILY. 

Morning  Report To    be    delivered    to    the    post 

adjutant  before  8:00  a.  m.  To 
be  signed  by  the  first  sergeant 
and  the  company  cqmmander. 
A  careful  record  of  events  should 
be  entered  in  the  morning  report 
each  day. 


68  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

Sick  Report To  be  delivered  by  the  sick 

marcher  to  the  attending  surgeon 
at  the  post  hospital  at  sick  call. 
To  be  signed  by  the  company 
commander  before  sending  it  to 
the  hospital. 
TRIMONTHI.Y. 

Ration  Return To  be  submitted  to  the  adju- 
tant, with  the  morning  report,  at 
such  times  as  the  commanding 
officer  may  direct. 

Trimonthly  Field  Return To  be  submitted  only  when  in 

(in  triplicate.)  the  field.     To  be  submitted  on  the 

loth,   20th,   and   last  day  of   the 
month.     One   copy   to   the   adju- 
tant, one  to'the  Adjutant-General 
direct,  one  to  be  retained. 
MONTHLY. 

Pay-Rolls To  be  submitted  on  the  last  day 

(In  triplicate.)  of  the  month  to  the  adjutant  for 

the  signature  of  the  commanding 
officer.  Two  copies  for  the  pay- 
master, one  to  be  retained. 

List  of  Absentees  from  Muster To  be  submitted  to  the  muster- 
ing officer  with  the  muster-  or  pay- 
rolls, the  list  to  be  alphabetical  in 
order,  showing  the  place  of  ab- 
sence and  the  authority  for  the 
absence  of  each  absentee. 

Arms  and  Ammunition  on  Hand-  To  be  submitted  to  the  adju- 
tant on  the  first  day  of  the  ensu- 
ing month.  Submitted  only  when 
required  by  special  instructions. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  69 

Vacancies  to  Occur  in  the  Current 

Month To  be  submitted  to  the  adju- 
tant on  the  first  day  of  the  month. 

Company  Return To  be  submitted  to  the  adju- 

(In  duplicate.)  tant  of  the  regiment.     Independ 

ent  company  in  the  field,  one  copy 
direct  to  the  Adjutant-General, 
one  copy  to  be  retained.  Sub- 
mitted on  the  first  day  of  the  fol- 
lowing month ;  also  submitted  up- 
on leaving  a  station. 

Allotments    Commenced    During 

ing  the  Month To  be  submitted  to  the  Pay- 
master-General by  registered  mail 
on  the  last  day  of  the  month. 

Discontinued  Allotments To  be  submitted  to   the   Pay- 
master-General on  the  last  day  of 
the  month. 
BIMONTHLY. 

Muster-Rolls To  be  submitted  to  the  muster- 

(In  duplicate.)  ing  officer  so  that  they  may  be 

mailed  within  three  (3)  days. 
These  rolls  are  to  be  prepared  in 
addition  to  the  three  pay  -  rolls. 
One  copy  to  be  retained.  Sub- 
mitted on  the  last  day  of  Febru- 
ary, April,  June,  August,  October, 
and  December. 

Requisition  for  Blank  Forms To  be  submitted  so  as  to  arrive 

at  the  office  of  the  Adjutant-Gen- 
eral of  the  Department  not  later 
than  June  ist  and  December  ist. 


7o  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

Ordnance  Return To  be  submitted  within  twenty 

days  after  the  3oth  of  June  and 
the  3ist  of  December,  each  year. 
One  copy  with  all  vouchers  for- 
warded, one  copy  retained. 
Estimate   of   Clothing   and 

Equipage To  be  submitted  to  the  adjutant 

about  ten  days  before  the  end  of 
each  quarter. 

Requisition  for  Stationery  _ To  be  submitted  to  the  quarter- 

(In  duplicate.)  master    whenever    stationery     is 

required. 

Requisition  for  Brooms  and  Scrub- 
bing Brushes To  be  submitted  to  the  adjutant 

(In  duplicate.)  on  first  day  of  each  quarter  for  the 

approval  of  the  commanding  offi- 
cer, then  to  the  quartermaster. 
SEMI-  ANNUALLY. 

Statement  of  Charges  for  Quarter- 
master Supplies To  be  forwarded  to  the  office  of 

the  quartermaster  on  the  last  day 
of  each  quarter. 
AT  IRREGULAR  INTERVALS. 
Descriptive  List  and  Account  of 
Pay  and  Clothing  of  a  Soldier 

Transferred To  be  mailed  to  the  command- 
ing officer  of  the  organization  to 
which  the  soldier  has  transferred 
upon  departure  of  the  soldier  from 
the  post. 

Same  of  Soldier  Detached To  be  given  to  the  officer  or 

noncommissioned  officer  in  charge 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  71 

of  soldier  or  forwarded  by  mail. 
To  be  sent  when  the  soldier  leaves 
the  post. 

Same  of  Sick  Soldier To  be  sent  to  the  surgeon  in 

charge  when  the  soldier  is  de- 
tached from  the  company. 

Same  of  a  Deserter To  be  mailed  direct  to  the  officer 

making  the  report  of  the  surrender 
or  apprehension  immediately  upon 
receipt  of  notification  of  the  same. 

Special   Descriptive  List  of  De- 
serters       Submitted   to  the  adjutant  as 

(in  quintuplicate.)  soon  as  the  deserter  is  dropped 

from  the  rolls. 

Notification  of  Discharge Submitted  to  the  paymaster  to 

whom  the  man  is  to  apply  for 
payment.  Should  be  forwarded 
about  a  week  before  the  discharge 
is  to  take  effect.  This  form  must 
be  filled  out  by  the  company  com- 
mander. 

Deceased  Soldiers Submitted  to  the  Adjutant- 
General  of  the  Army  direct;  also 
notification  to  the  nearest  relative. 
Submitted  upon  notification  of 
death.  Should  be  accompanied 
by  inventory  of  effects  and  final 
statements  of  the  deceased. 

Field  Return ___ .     Submitted  to  the  adjutant  of 

the  post  whenever  joining  or  leav- 
ing a  station. 

Deposits,  List  of To  be  submitted  to  the  Pay- 
master-General direct  immediate- 


72  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

ly  following  deposit.  If  a  soldier 
who  has  deposits  is  transferred  or 
deserts,  a  report  should  be  made 
direct  to  the  Paymaster-General.- 

List  of  Allotments Submitted  to  the  Paymaster- 
General  direct  as  soon  as  the  allot- 
ments are  made. 

Notification   of    Cessation    or   of 

Suspension  of  Allotment  __  Submitted  direct  to  the  depart- 

ment or  corps  commander  imme- 
diately; also  to  the  Paymaster- 
General  at  the  end  of  the  month,  a 
report  of  the  allotments  to  be  dis- 
continued during  the  ensuing 
month. 

Battles  or  Engagements Submitted      through      military 

channels  to  the  Adjutant- 
General,  U.  S.  A.,  after  every  bat- 
tle or  engagement. 

Casualties  (Killed  and  Wounded)  _     One  copy   to  be  retained,   one 
(In  triplicate.)  submitted  through  military  chan- 

nels, and  one  direct  to  the  Adju- 
tant-General, U.  S.  A.  To  be  sub- 
mitted after  any  engagement  re- 
sulting in  casualties. 

Captured  Property,  Return  of Submitted  to  the  Adjutant- 
General,  U.  S.  A.,  immediately. 
Only  required  of  the  company 
commander  when  the  company  is 
acting  alone. 

Clothing  Requisition Submitted  to  the  adjutant 

whenever  clothing  is  needed. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  73 

Report  of  Small- Arms  Practice  __     Submitted  to  the  inspector  of 

small-arms  practice  on  completion 
of  the  target  practice. 

Discharge  for  Disability To  the  Ad  jut  ant- General  of  the 

Department.  Careful  attention 
should  be  given  to  the  notes  on 
the  blank. 

Certificate  of  Breakage  of  China 

Ware To  the  Quartermaster  at  the  end 

of  each  quarter. 


74  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

CHAPTER  X. 
THE  COMPANY  QUARTERMASTER-  SERGEANT. 

275.  The  company  quartermaster-sergeant  is  selected  by  the 
company  commander  from  among  the  sergeants  of  the  company  to 
which  he  belongs.     A  separate  warrant  as  such  is  not  given,  and  he 
may  be  returned  to  the  grade  of  sergeant  without  reference  to 
higher  authority. 

276.  He  is  usually  also  the  "mess"  sergeant,  and,  as  such,  he  is 
hi  immediate  charge  of  the  company  kitchen,  the  company  mess- 
room,  the  company  store-rooms,  and  such  other  portions  of  barracks 
as  the  company  commander  may  direct.      He  has  charge  of  the 
company  cooks,  the  men  detailed  for  duty  in  the  company  mess- 
room,  and  the  kitchen  police,  and  directs  them  in  execution  of  their 
duties. 

277.  He  is  directly  responsible  to /he  company  commander  for 
all  Government  or  company  property  in  possession  of  the  company. 
He  has  charge  of  and  is  responsible  for  the  security  of  the  subsist- 
ence, quartermaster,  and  ordnance  store-rooms,  and  for  the  preser- 
vation and  care  of  the  articles  stored  therein.     He  will  in  person 
make  all  issues  therefrom  to  the  cooks  and  to  the  men  of  the  com- 
pany.    He  will  make  no  issues  whatsoever  without  proper  authority. 

278.  He  will  keep  a  record  in  the  company  property  book  of  all 
quartermaster  and  ordnance  property  on  hand  in  the  store-rooms 
or  issued  to  the  men  of  the  company. 

279.  He  is  responsible  for  the  cleanliness  and  neatness  of  the 
company  kitchen,  kitchen  furniture,  mess-room,  mess-room  furni- 
ture, and  will  see  that  the  cooks  and  men  detailed  for  duty  in  the 
mess-room  are  neat  and  cleanly  in  the  preparing  and  serving  of  the 
food.     He  will  see  that  the  meals  are   served  promptly  and  at  the 
hours  designated  in  orders. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  75 

280.  He  will,  with  the  assistance  of  the  company  cooks,  make 
out  each  day  the  bill  of  fare  for  the  succeeding  day,  and  will  submit 
the  same  to  the  company  commander  for  his  inspection. 

281.  Once  during  each  quarter,  and  oftener  if  necessary,  he 
will  inspect  all  Government  property  in  the  possession  of  the  com- 
pany and  will  submit  for  the  inspection  of  the  company  commander 
all  articles  which  may  be  found  unfit  for  further  use.     He  will  make 
frequent  inspections  of  the  quarters  of  the  company,  and  will  report 
to  the  company  commander  any  repairs  needed  in  the  quarters, 
furniture,  or  property  of  the  company. 

282.  He  will  keep  note  of  the  supply  of  fuel  and  oil,  and  will 
report  to  the  company  commander  in  order  that  timely  requisition 
may  be  made  to  renew  the  supply. 

283.  On  ration  days  he  will,  with  a  suitable  detail  from  the 
company,  report  at  the  commissary  and  draw  the  rations  of  the 
company.     He  will,   before  reporting  for  rations,   prepare  a  list 
showing  the  quantities  of  each  article  which  he  desires  to  draw  or 
leave  undrawn  as  a  saving.     When  articles  are  issued  to  him,  he  will 
verify  the  amounts  and  will  note  the  quality  and  condition  of  the 
same.     He  will  enter  in  his  books  an  account  of  all  subsistence  stores 
issued  to  him,  and  will  report  to  the  company  commander  any 
deficiency  in  the  amount  or  quality  of  the  stores. 

284.  On  the  days  on  which  fresh  meat  is  issued,  he  will  report, 
with  a  suitable  detail  from  the  company,  at  the  designated  time  and 
place  to  receive  the  same,  making  note  in  his  books  of  the  quality 
and  quantity  received. 

285.  He  will,  under  the  direction  of  the  company  commander, 
make  purchases  from  the  commissary  or  from  local  dealers  of  articles 
other  than  those  of  the  ration  which  may  be  desired  for  the  company 
mess. 

286.  He  will  keep  a  careful  account  of  all  such  expenditures, 
taking  receipts  for  the  same  and  turning  them  in  with  his  accounts  to 
he  company  commander  at  intervals  to  be  designated  by  the  latter. 


76  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

287.  He  will  supervise  the  company  cooks  in  the  handling  of  the 
rations,  being  careful  to  see  that  the  amount  cooked  each  day  is  in 
accord  with  the  number  of  men  to  be  fed.     He  will  see  that  the 
articles  of  the  ration  are  not  wasted  and  that  they  are  used  only  for 
the  purpose  for  which  they  are  intended. 

288.  He  will  be  present  at  and  preserve  order  in  the  mess-rooms 
during  the  serving  of  meals.     He  will  see  that  the  men  of  the 
company  are  neat  and  orderly  in  their  conduct  while  at  table. 

289.  He  should  familiarize  himself  thoroughly  with  the  differ- 
ent components  of  the  ration  as  authorized  in  the  Army  Regulations 
and  in  orders,  together  with  the  allowances  of  each.     He  should  be 
able  to  compute  readily  the  quantities  of  each  component  of  the 
ration  for  any  number  of  men. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  77 

CHAPTER  XI. 

THE  NONCOMMISSIONED  OFFICER  IN  CHARGE  OF  QUARTERS. 

290.  The  noncommissioned  officer  in  charge  of  quarters  is  de- 
tailed by  order  of  the  company  commander  from  a  roster  of  the 
noncommissioned  officers  of  the  company. 

291.  The  tour  of  duty  is  of  twenty-four  hours'  duration,  be- 
ginning at  reveille  of  the  day  designated  and  continuing  until  reveille 
of  the  following  day,  unless  otherwise  prescribed.     Noncommissioned 
officers  detailed  for  this  duty  relieve  each  other  without  reporting  to 
the  company  commander. 

292.  The  noncommissioned  officer  in  charge  of  quarters  receives 
his  orders  from  the  company  commander. 

293.  He  will  instruct  the  room  orderly  or  orderlies  in  their 
duties. 

294.  He  will  be  responsible  for  the  proper  police  of  the  company 
quarters,  rears,  bath-rooms,  amusement-rooms,  barber  and  tailor 
shops,  and  the  yard  or  vicinity  of  barracks. 

295.  He  will  have  charge  of  company  fatigue  details  and  direct 
them  in  their  work  of  policing. 

296.  Where  the  company  is  quartered  in  more  than  one  squad- 
room,  he  will  not  be  held  responsible  for  the  police  of  the  squad- 
rooms  unless  so  directed  by  the  company  commander. 

297.  He  will  report  promptly  to  the  company  commander  any 
necessary  repairs  of  the  barracks,  barrack  furniture,  quartermaster 
or  company  property  which  may  come  under  his  observation. 

298.  He  will  see  that  all  lamps  are  filled,  cleaned,  and  trimmed 
during  the  day  for  lighting  at  night. 

299.  He  will  promptly  quell  all  disturbances  and  disorderly  or 
noisy  conduct  in  the  barracks  or  vicinity,  and  will  report  the  same 
to  the  first  sergeant. 


78  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

300.  He  is  responsible  during  his  tour  for  the  proper  care  of  all 
company  property  or  Government  property  in  possession  of  the 
company,  and  will  not  permit  it  to  be  damaged,  or  removed  with- 
out .proper  authority.     The  first  sergeant  or  quartermaster-sergeant 
of  the  company  is  authorized  tojjemove  such  property^in  their 
discretion. 

301.  He  will  be  excused  from  all  other  duty  unless  otherwise 
directed  by  proper  authority. 

302.  He  will  hold  himself  in  readiness  to  accompany  the  com- 
pany commander  on  his  daily  inspection  of  the  company  quarters, 
and  will  see  that  all  directions  of  the  company  commander  are 
promptly  complied  with. 

303.  In  camp  his  duties  will  include  all  those  heretofore  pre- 
scribed and  such  others  as  may  be  prescribed  by  competent  au- 
thority. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  79 

CHAPTER  XII. 
THE  SERGEANT  OF  THE  GUARD. 

304.  The  senior  noncommissioned  officer  of  the  guard  always 
acts  as  sergeant  of  the  guard,  and,  if  there  be  no  officer  of  the  guard, 
will  perform  the  duties  prescribed  for  the  commander  of  the  guard. 

305.  At  guard  mounting  the  sergeant  of  the  guard  remains  in 
his  place  in  the  file-closers  in  rear  of  the  company  detail  until  the 
command :     i .  Noncommissioned  officers,  front  and  center,   2 .  March. 
Then  he  executes  the  right  shoulder  arms,  passes  around  the  nearest 
flank  of  the  guard,  along  the  front,  and  takes  place  on  the  right  of 
the  line  of  noncommissioned  officers,  three  paces  in  rear  of  the  offi- 
cer of  the  guard;  or,  if  there  be  no  officer  of  the  guard,  three  paces 
in  front  of  the  adjutant.     At  the  command:     i.  Noncommissioned 
officers,  2.  Posts,   3.  March,  he  faces  about  and  takes  the  post  of 
chief  of  the  first  platoon,  as  prescribed  in  the  school  of  the  company. 
If  there  be  no  officer  of  the  guard,  the  noncommissioned  officer  com- 
manding the  guard  takes  post  on  the  right  of  the  right  guide,  when 
the  guard  is  in  line;  and  takes  post  of  the  officer  commanding  the 
guard,  when  in  column  or  passing  in  view. 

306.  If  there  be  no  officer  of  the  guard,  the  sergeant  of  the  guard 
commands  the  guard  while  passing  in  review,  and  will  bring  the 
guard  to  the  eyes  right  when  at  a  point  about  six  paces  from  the  offi- 
cer of  the  day  and  will  salute  with  the  rifle  salute  when  at  six  paces 
from  the  officer  of  the  day,  remaining  at  the  salute  until  the  guard 
has  passed  six  paces  beyond  the  reviewing  officer.     Having  passed 
the  reviewing  officer,  he  will  form  the  guard  into  column  of  squads 
without  halting  and  march  it  to  the  guard-house  or  other  designated 
post.     If  there  be  no  division  of  platoons,  and  if  there  be  present  an 
officer  of  the  guard,  the  sergeant  of  the  guard  takes  post  in  the  line 
of  file-closers  in  rear  of  the  right  squad  of  the  guard. 


8o  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

307.  Having  arrived  at  the  post  of  the  guard,  the  new  guard 
marches  in  quick  time  past  the  old  guard,  the  sergeant  of  the  guard, 
if  in  command,  saluting  with  the  rifle  salute. 

308.  As  the  new  guard  approaches  the  guard-house,   the  old 
guard  is  formed  in  line,  with  its  field  music  three  paces  to  its  right; 
and,  when  the  field  music  at  the  head  of  the  new  guard  arrives 
opposite  its  left,  the  commander   of   the   new  guard    commands: 
i.   Eyes,   2.  Right;  the  commander  of   the    old    guard   commands: 

1.  Present,   2.  Arms;  commanders  of  both  guards  salute.     The  new 
guard  marches  in  quick  time  past  the  old  guard. 

When  the  commander  of  the  new  guard  is  opposite  the  field 
music  of  the  old  guard,  he  commands:  Front;  the  commander  of 
the  old  guard  commands :  i.  Order,  2.  Arms. 

The  field  music,  having  marched  three  paces  beyond  the  field 
music  of  the  old  guard,  changes  direction  to  the  right,  and,  followed 
by  the  guard,  changes  direction  to  the  left,  when  on  a  line  with  the 
old  guard;  the  changes  of  direction  are  without  command.  The 
commander  of  the  guard  halts  on  the  line  of  the  front  rank  of  the  old 
.guard,  allows  his  guard  to  march  past  him,  and,  when  its  rear  ap- 
proaches, forms  it  in  line  to  the  left,  establishes  the  left  guide  three 
paces  to  the  right  of  the  field  music  of  the  old  guard,  and  on  a  line 
with  the  front  rank,  and  then  dresses  his  guard  to  the  left;  the  field 
music  of  the  new  guard  is  three  paces  to  the  right  of  its  front  rank. 

309.  The  new  guard  being  dressed,  the  commander  of  each 
guard,  in  front  of  and  facing  its  center,  commands:     i.  Present, 

2.  Arms,  resumes  his  front,  salutes,  carries  saber,  faces  his  guard, 
and  commands:     i.  Order,   2.  Arms. 

Should  a  guard  be  commanded  by  a  noncommissioned  officer,  he 
stands  on  the  right  or  left  of  the  front  rank,  according  as  he  com- 
mands the  old  or  new  guard,  and  executes  the  rifle  salute. 

310.  The  detachments  and  sentinels  of  the  old  guard  are  re- 
lieved and,  as  they  come  in,  form  on  its  left;  the  commander  of  the 
old  guard  then  marches  it,  with  the  guide  right,  six  paces  to  the 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  81 

front,  then  in  column  of  squads  to  the  right;  the  field  music  begins 
to  play  and  the  guard  marches  in  quick  time  past  the  new  guard, 
both  guards  saluting. 

311.  Upon  arriving  on  the  parade-ground,  the  commander  of 
the  old   guard  forms  it  in  line,  opens  and  closes  chamber,  orders 
successively  the  company  details  two  paces  to  the  front,  and  sends 
each,  under  charge  of  a  noncommissioned  officer,  or  private,  to  its 
company. 

312.  To  receive  prisoners  at  the  guard-house  after  their  number 
has  been  verified  by  the  officer  of  the  day,  the  sergeant  of  the  guard 
forms  his  guard  with  an   interval   in  the  middle  of  it  sufficient   for 
the  prisoners  when  in  line  and  in  double  rank,   and  commands: 

•i.  Prisoners,  2.  Right  face,  3.  Forward,  4.  March.  The  prisoners 
having  arrived  opposite  the  interval  in  the  new  guard,  he  com- 
mands: i.  Prisoners,  2.  Halt,  3.  Left  face,  4.  Right  (or  left)  back- 
ward dress,  5.  Front.  The  prisoners  dress  on  the  line  of  the  new 
guard. 

313.  After  the  salutes  have  been  acknowledged  by  the  officers 
of  the  day,  each  guard  is  brought  to  the  order  by  its  commander ;  the 
commander  of  the  new  guard  then  directs  the  orderly  or  orderlies  to 
fall  out  and  report,  and  causes  bayonets  to  be  fixed  if  so  ordered  by 
the  commanding  officer.     He  then  falls  out  members  of  the  guard 
for  detached  posts,  placing  them  under  charge  of  the  proper  non- 
commissioned officers,   divides  the  guard  into   three  reliefs,   first, 
second,  and  third  from. right  to  left. 

314.  The  sergeant  of  the  guard  has  general  supervision  over  the 
other  noncommissioned  officers  and  the  musicians  and  privates  of 
the  guard,  and  must  be  thoroughly  familiar  with  all  their  orders 
and  duties. 

315.  He  is  directly  responsible  for  the  property  under  charge 
of  the  guard  and  will  see  that  it  is  properly  cared  for.     He  will  make 
lists  of  articles  taken  out  by  working  parties  and  will  see  that  all 
such  articles  are  duly  returned.     If  not,  he  will  immediately  report 


82  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

the  fact  to  the  commander  of  the  guard  or,  if  there  be  none,  to  the 
officer  of  the  day. 

316.  Immediately  after  guard  mounting  he  will  prepare  du- 
plicate lists  of  the  names  of  all  noncommissioned  officers,  musicians, 
and  privates  of  the  guard,  showing  the  relief  and  post  or  duties  of 
each.     One  list  will  be  handed  as  soon  as  possible  to  the  commander 
of  the  guard;  the  other  will  be  retained  by  the  sergeant  of  the  guard. 

317.  He  will  see  that  reliefs  are  turned  out  on  time  and  that  the 
corporals  thoroughly  understand  and  are  prompt  and  efficient  in  the 
discharge  of  their  duties. 

318.  During  the  temporary  absence  from  the  guard-house  of 
the  sergeant  of  the  guard,  the  next  in  rank  of  the  noncommissioned 
officers  present  will  perform  his  duties. 

319.  Should  the  corporal  whose  relief  is  on  post  be  called  away 
from  the  guard-house,  the  sergeant  of  the  guard  will  designate  a 
noncommissioned  officer  to  take  his  place  until  his  return. 

320.  After  breakfast,  he  will  cause  the  guard-house  or  guard- 
tent  and  the  space  around  it  to  be  policed  by  the  prisoners  if  there 
be  any,  or  by  the  members  of  the  guard  if  there  be  no  prisoners. 

321.  He  will  see  that  the  guard-room  and  cells  are  thoroughly 
policed  twice  daily,  morning  and  evening. 

322.  At  first  sergeant's  call  he  will  proceed  to  the  adjutant's 
office  and  obtain  the  guard  report  book. 

323.  The  absence  of  the  color-bearer  and  guard,  when  the  na- 
tional or  regimental  colors  are  taken  from  the  stacks  of  the  color 
line,  the  sergeant  of  the  guard  unarmed,  and  two  privates  of  the 
guard  armed,  will  escort  the  colors  to  the  Colonel's  quarters  as 
prescribed  in  the  Infantry  Drill  Regulations. 

324.  Upon  the  return  of  soldiers  having  passes,  the  passes  will 
be  given  to  the  sergeant  of  the  guard,  who  will  endorse  upon  it  the 
time  at  which  each  of  the  men  included  in  a  pass  returns;  at  guard 
mounting  he  will  turn  them^in  to  the  commander  of  the  guard. 

325.  He  will  report  to  the  commander  of  the  guard  any  sus- 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  83 

picious  or  unusual  occurrence  that  comes  under  his  notice,  will  warn 
him  of  the  approach  of  any  armed  body,  and  will  send  to  him  all 
persons  arrested  by  the  guard. 

326.  When  the  guard  is  turned  out  the  formation  will  be  as 
follows:     The  senior  noncommissioned  officer,  if  commander  of  the 
guard,  is  on  the  right  of  the  right  guide;  if  not  the  commander,  he 
is  in  the  line  of  file-closers,  in  rear  of  the  right  squad  of  the  guard ; 
the  next  in  rank  is  right  guide;  the  next  left  guide;  the  others  in 
line  of  file-closers,  usually  each  in  rear  of  his  relief;  the  field  music, 
with  its  left  three  paces  to  the  right  of  the  right  guide.     The  reliefs 
form  in  the  same  order  as  when  the  guard  was  first  divided,  except 
that  if  the  guard  consists  of  dismounted  cavalry  and  infantry,  the 
cavalry  forms  on  the  left. 

327.  The  sergeant  forms  the  guard,  calls  the  roll,  and,  if  not  in 
command  of  the  guard,  reports  to  the  commander  of  the  guard  in 
the  manner  prescribed  for  the  first  sergeant  forming  a  troop  or 
company;  the  guard  is  not  formed  into  platoons  or  sections,  and 
except  when  the  whole  guard  is  formed  prior  to  marching  off,  they 
do  not  count  off. 

328.  The  sergeant  reports  as  follows:     "Sir,  the  guard  is  pres- 
ent";  or,  "Sir,  the  guard  and  prisoners  are  present";  or,  "Sir,  the 
guard  is  present  and  the  prisoners  are  secured" ;  or,  "Sir,  (So-and-so] 
is  absent";  or,  if  the  roll  call  has  been  omitted,  "Sir,  the  guard  is 
formed."     Only  men  absent  without  authority  are  reported  absent. 
He  then  takes  his  place  without  command. 

329.  At  night  the  roll  call  may  be  by  reliefs  and  numbers  in- 
stead of  names;  thus,  the  first  relief  being  on  post:     "Second  relief, 
Corporal;  No.  i,  No.  2,  etc.     Third  relief,  Corporal,  etc." 

330.  Calling  the  roll  will  be  dispensed  with  forming  the  guard 
when  it  is  turned  out  as  a  compliment,  on  the  approach  of  an  armed 
body,  or  in  sudden  emergency;  but  in  such  cases  the  roll  may  be 
called  before  dismissing  the  guard.     If  the  guard  ^be  turned  out  for 
an  officer  entitled  to  inspect  it,  the  roll  will,  unless  he  directs  other- 
wise, always  be  called  before  a  report  is  made. 


84  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

331-  When  directed  by  the  officer  of  the  guard  to  dismiss  the 
guard,  the  sergeant  salutes,  steps  in  front  of  the  guard,  and  com- 
mands: i.  Port,  2.  Arms,  3.  Open  chamber,  4.  Close  chamber,  5. 
Dismissed;  or,  5.  Order,  6.  Arms,  7.  Stack,  8.  Arms,  g.  Dismissed. 

332.  The  sergeant  of  the  guard  has  direct  charge  of  the  pris- 
oners and  is  responsible  to  the  commander  of  the  guard  for  their 
security. 

333.  He  will  carry  the  keys  of  the  guard-room  and  cells  and 
will  not  suffer  them  to  leave  his  personal  possession  while  he  is  at 
the  guard-house,  except  as  hereinafter  provided.     Should  he  leave 
the  guard-house  for  any  purpose,  he  will  turn  the  keys  over  to  the 
noncommissioned  officer  who  takes  his  place. 

334.  He  will  count  the  knives,  forks,  etc.,  given  to  the  prisoners 
with  their  food,  and  see  that  none  of  these  articles  remain  in  their 
possession.     He  will  see  that  no  forbidden  articles  of  any  kind  are 
conveyed  to  the  prisoners. 

335.  Prisoners,  when  paraded  with  the  guard,  are  placed  in  the 
line  in  its  center.     The  sergeant,  immediately  before  forming  the 
guard,  will  turn  over  his  keys  to  the  noncommissioned  officer  at  the 
guard-house.     Having  formed  his  guard,  he  will  divide  it  into  two 
nearly  equal    parts.      Indicating   the    division   with   his    hand,   he 
commands:     i.  Right,    2.   Face,    3.   Forward,    4.    March,    5.  Guard, 
6.   Halt,   7.  Left,  8.   Face.     If  the  first  command  be  Right  face,  the 
right  half  of  the  guard  only  will  execute  the  movements ;  if  Left  face, 
the  left  half  only  will  execute  them.     The  command  Halt  is  given 
when  sufficient  interval  is  obtained  to  admit  the  prisoners.     The 
doors  of  the  guard-room  and  cells  are  then  opened  by  the  noncom- 
missioned officer  having  the  keys.     The  prisoners  will  then  file  out 
under  the  supervision  of  the  sergeant,  the  noncommissioned  officer 
and  the  sentinel  on  duty  at  the  guard-house,  and  such  other  sen- 
tinels as  may  ba  necessary;  they  will  form  in  line  in  the  interval 
between  the  two  parts  of  the  guard. 

336.     To  return  tha  prisoners  to  the  gU3,rcl-room  and  cells,  the 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  85 

sergeant  commands:  i.  Prisoners,  2.  Right,  3.  Face,  4.  Forward, 
5.  Column  right,  6.  March.  The  prisoners,  under  the  same  super- 
vision as  before,  return  to  their  cells. 

337.  To  close  the  guard,  the  sergeant  commands:     i.  Left  (or 
right],  2.   Face,  3.   Forward,  4.   March,  5.  Guard,  6.  Halt,  7.  Right 
(or  left),  8.   Face.     The  left  or  right  half  only  of  the  guard,  as  indi- 
cated, executes  the  movement. 

338.  If  there  be  but  few  prisoners,  the  sergeant  may  indicate 
the  point  of  division  as  above,  and  form  the  necessary  interval  by 
the  command:     i.  Right  (or  left)  step,  2.  March,  3.  Guard,  4.  Halt, 
and  close  the  interval  by  the  same  commands. 

339.  If  the  sentinels  are  numerous,  reliefs  may,  at  the  discre- 
tion of  the  commanding  officer,  be  posted  in  detachments,  and  ser- 
geants, as  well  as  corporals,  required  to  relieve  and  post  them. 

340.  Sergeants  assigned  to  reliefs  perform  the  duties  prescribed 
for  corporals  of  the  guard.     They  will  not  be  so  assigned  unless  the 
number  of  corporals  detailed  for  guard  be  less  than  the  number 
of  reliefs. 

341.  If  the  sergeant  of  the  guard  be  also  the  commander  of 
the  guard,  he  will,  in  addition  to  what  has  already  been  prescribed, 
be  governed  by  the  following  instructions  for  the  commander  of 
the  guard. 

342.  The  commander  of  the  guard  is  responsible  for  the  in- 
struction and   discipline   of  the   guard.     He  will  see   that  all  its 
members  are  correctly  instructed  in  their  orders  and  duties,  and 
that  they  understand  and  properly  perform  them. 

343.  He  receives  and  obeys   the  orders  of   the   commanding 
officer  and  of  the  officer  of  the  day,  and  reports  to  the  latter  without 
delay  all  orders  not  given  or  transmitted  by  him;  he  transmits  to 
his  successor  all  material  instructions  and  information  relating  to 
his  duties. 

344.  He  is  responsible  under  the  officer  of  the  day  for  the  gen- 
eral safety  of  the  post  or  camp  as  soon  as  the  old  guard  marches 


86  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

away  from  t,he  guard-house.  In  case  of  emergency  occurring  while 
both  guards  are  at  the  guard-house,  the  senior  commander  of  the 
two  guards  will  be  responsible  that  the  proper  action  is  taken. 

345.  Except  in  emergencies,  he  may  divide  the  night  with  the 
next  in  command,  but  retains  his  responsibility;  the  one  on  watch 
must  be  constantly  on  the  alert. 

346.  When  any  alarm  is  raised  in  the  camp  or  garrison,  the 
guard  will  be  formed  immediately.     If  the  case  be  serious,  the  proper 
call  will  be  sounded,  and  the  commander  of  the  guard  will  cause  the 
commanding  officer  and  the  officer  of  the  day  to  be  at  once  notified. 

347.  If  the  sentinel  calls:     "The  guard,"  the  commander  of 
the  guard  will  at  once  send  a  patrol  to  such  sentinel's  post.     If  the 
danger  be  great,  in  which  case  the  sentinel  will  discharge  his  piece, 
the  patrol  will  be  as  strong  as  possible. 

348.  When  practicable,  there  should  always  be  at  least  one 
noncommissioned  officer  and  two  privates  at  the  guard-house,  in 
addition  to  the  sentinel  there  on  post. 

349.  The  commander  of  the  guard  will  see  that  the  guard  is 
formed  promptly,  and  under  arms,  whenever  it  is  turned  out  for  any 
purpose  whatever. 

350.  When  a  guard  commanded  by  a  noncommissioned  officer 
is  turned  out  as  a  compliment  or  for  inspection,  the  noncommis- 
sioned officer,  standing  at  the  right  shoulder  on  the  right  of  the  right 
guide,  commands:     i.  Present,  2.  Arms.     He  then  himself  executes 
the  rifle  salute.     If  a  report  is  required,  he  will,  after  saluting  and 
before  bringing  his  guard  to  an  order,  report  as  prescribed  for  the 
report  of  the  sergeant  of  the  guard  to  the  officer  of  the  guard. 

35 1 .  Between  retreat  and  reveille,  the  commander  of  the  guard 
salutes  and  reports,  but  does  not  bring  the  guard  to  a  present. 

352.  To  those  entitled  to  have  the  guard  turned  out,  but  not 
entitled  to  inspect  it,  no  report  will  be  made;  nor  will  a  report  be 
made  to  any  officer  unless  he  halts  in  front  of  the  guard. 

353.  A  noncommissioned  officer  marching  a  guard  or  relief  will 
salute  all  officers. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  87 

354.  A  guard  being  in  line  and  not  under  inspection,  when  com- 
manded by  a  noncommissioned  officer,  is  brought  to  attention  when 
an  officer  not  entitled  to  have  the  guard  turned  out  passes,  and  the 
noncommissioned  officer  salutes  with  the  rifle  salute. 

355.  If  a  person  entitled  to  compliment  pass  in  rear  of  the  guard, 
it  does  not  salute,  but  stands  at  an  order,  facing  to  the  front. 

356.  After  a  person  entitled  to  the  compliment  has  been  saluted 
by  the  guard  or  guards,  official  recognition  of  his  presence  thereafter, 
while  he  remains  in  the  same  vicinity,  will  be  taken  by  bringing  the 
guard  or  guards  to  attention. 

357.  The  commander  of  the  guard  will  inspect  his  guard  at 
retreat  and  reveille  to  assure  himself  that  the  men  are  in  proper  con- 
dition to  perform  their  duties  and  that  their  arms  and  equipments 
are  in  proper  order;  for  inspection  by  other  officers,  he  prepares  the 
guard  for  inspection  as  directed  in  each  case  by  the  inspecting  officer. 

358.  Any  person  having  authority  to  inspect  the  guard,  and 
who  wishes  to  do  so,  will,  after  its  commander  has  reported,  direct 
him  to  prepare  it  for  inspection,  stating  in  what  manner. 

359.  The  guard  will  not  be  paraded  during  ceremonies  unless 
so  directed  by  the  commanding  officer. 

360.  At  all  formations  of  the  guards  or  reliefs,  he  will  see  that 
the  chambers  and  magazines  of  all  rifles  or  carbines  are  opened  as 
soon  as  the  men  have  fallen  in. 

361.  After  receiving  the  report  of  the  corporal,  he  will  inspect 
each  relief  before  it  goes  on  post  to  assure  himself  that  every  sentinel 
is  properly  armed  and  equipped  and  is  in  proper  condition  to  perform 
his  duties.     The  same  rule  applies  to  all  patrols  and  sentinels  over 
prisoners.     The  relief  first  posted  after  guard  mounting  need  not  be 
thus  inspected. 

362.  He  will  see  that  sentinels  are  habitually  relieved  every 
two  hours,  unless  the  weather  or  other  cause  make  it  necessary  or 
proper  that  it  be  done  at  shorter  or  longer  intervals,  as  directed  by 
the  commanding  officer. 


88  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

363.  He  will  question  the  noncommissioned  officers  and  sen- 
tinels as  to  instructions  they  may  have  received  from  the  old  guard; 
he  will   see  that  patrols  and  visits  of  inspection  are  made  as  di- 
rected by  the  officer  of  the  day. 

364.  He  will  see  that  the  orders  for  each  sentinel  are  posted, 
either  written  or  printed,  in  the  guard-house,  and,  if  practicable,  in 
the  sentry-box  or  other  sheltered  place  to  which  the  sentinel  has 
constant  access. 

365.  He  will  see  that  the  proper  calls  are  sounded  as  directed 
by  the  commanding  officer. 

366.  Should  a  member  of  the  guard  be  taken  sick,  or  be  arrested, 
or  desert,  or  leave  his  guard,  the  commander  of  the  guard  will  at 
once  notify  the  adjutant. 

367.  He  will,  when  the  countersign  is  used,  communicate  it  to 
the  noncommissioned  officers  of  the  guard  and  see  that  it  is  duly 
communicated  to  the  sentinels  before  the  hour  for  challenging;    the 
countersign  will  not  be  given  to  the  sentinels  posted  at  the  guard- 
house. 

368.  He  will  have  the  details  for  hoisting  the  flag  at  reveille, 
and  lowering  it  at  retreat,  made  in  time  for  the  proper  performance 
of  these  duties.     He  will  see  that  the  flags  are  kept  in  the  best  con- 
dition  possible,   and   that   they   are  never  handled  except  in   the 
proper  performance  of  duty. 

369.  The  commander  of  the  guard  may  permit  the  members  of 
the  guard,  while  at  the  guard-house,  to  remove  their  headdress,  over 
coats,  and  gloves;  if  they  leave  the  guard-house  for  any  purpose 
whatever,  he  will  require  them  to  be  properly  equipped  and  armed 
according  to  the  character  of  the  service  in  which  they  are  engaged, 
or  as  directed  by  the  commanding  officer. 

370.  He  will  enter  in  the  guard  report  a  report  of  his  tour  of 
duty,  and  on  the  completion  of  the  tour,  will  present  it  to  the  officer 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  89 

of  the  day.     He  will  transmit  with  his  report  all  passes  turned  in 
at  the  post  of  the  guard. 

371.  Whenever  a  prisoner  is  sent  to  the  guard-house  or  guard- 
tent  for  confinement,  the  commander  of  the  guard  will  cause  him 
to  be  searched,  and  will,  without  unnecessary  delay,  report  the  case 
to  the  officer  of  the  day. 

372.  If  any  one  is  to  be  passed  out  of  the  camp  at  night,  he  will 
be  sent  to  the  commander  of  the  guard,  who  will  have  him  passed 
beyond  the  line  of  sentinels. 

373.  The  commander  of  the  guard  will  detain  at  the  guard- 
house all  suspicious  characters,   or  parties  attempting  to  pass   a 
sentinel's   post  without  proper  authority,    reporting   his   action   to 
the  officer  of  the  day,  to  whom  persons  so  arrested  will  be  sent, 
if  necessary. 

374.  He  will  inspect  the  guard-room  and  cells,  and  the  irons  of 
such  prisoners  as  may  be  ironed,  at  least  once  during  his  tour  and  at 
such  other  times  as  he  may  deem  necessary. 

375.  He  will  see  that  the  sentences  of  prisoners  under  his  charge 
are  executed  strictly  as  confirmed  by  the  reviewing  authority. 

376.  He  will  cause  sentinels  over  working  parties  to  be  taken 
from  those  assigned  to  posts  guarded  at  night  only.     If  there  be 
none,  he  will  cause  this  duty  to  be  divided  as  equally  as  possible 
among  the  privates  of  the  guard. 

377.  He  will   inspect   all  meals   sent   to   the   guard-house   for 
prisoners,  and  see  that  the  quantity  and  quality  are  in  accordance 
with  regulations. 

378.  At  guard  mounting  he  will  report  to  the  old  officer  of  the 
day  all  cases  of  prisoners  whose  terms  of  sentence  expire  on  that  day , 
as  also  all  cases  of  prisoners  concerning  whom  no  statement  of 
charges  has  been  received. 

379.  While  both  guards  are  at  tljQ  post  of  the  guard,  and  after 


90  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

each  has  been  presented  to  its  officer  of  the  day,  if  other  persons 
entitled  to  the  salute  approach,  each  commander  of  the  guard  will 
bring  his  guard  to  attention  if  not  already  at  attention.  The  senior 
commander  of  the  two  guards  will  then  command:  i.  Old  and  new 
guards,  2.  Present,  3.  Arms.  The  junior  will  present  at  the  com- 
mand Present  arms,  given  by  the  senior.  After  the  salute  has  been 
acknowledged,  the  senior  brings  both  guards  to  the  order. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  91 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
THE  CORPORAL  OF  THE  GUARD. 

380.  Corporals  of  the  guard  are  assigned  to  reliefs  by  the  com" 
mander  of  the  guard.     They  are  assigned  to  reliefs  according  to 
rank,  the  senior  corporal  having  command  of  the  first  relief,  etc. 

381.  The  corporal  of  the  guard  receives  and  obeys  orders  from 
none  but  noncommissioned  officers  of  the  guard  senior  to  himself, 
the  officers  of  the  guard,  the  officer  of  the  day,  and  the  commanding 
officer. 

382.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  corporal  of  the  guard  to  post  and  re- 
lieve sentinels,  and  to  instruct  the  members  of  his  relief  in  their 
orders  and  duties. 

383.  Immediately  after  the  division  of  the  guard  into  reliefs 
the  corporals  will  assign  the  members  of  their  respective  reliefs  to 
posts  by  number,  and  a  soldier  so  assigned  to  a  post  will  not  be 
changed  to  another  during  the  same  tour  of  guard  duty,  unless  by 
the  direction  of  the  commander  of  the  guard  or  higher  authority. 

Usually,  experienced  soldiers  are  placed  over  the  arms  of  the 
guard  and  at  remote  and  responsible  posts. 

384.  Bach  corporal  will  then  make  a  list  of  the  members  of  his 
relief,  including  himself.     This  list  will  contain  the  number  of  the 
relief,  the  name  of  the  company,  the  regiment  of  every  member 
thereof,  and  the  post  to  which  each  is  assigned.     The  list  will  be 
made  in  duplicate,  one"  list  to  be  given  to  the  sergeant  of  the  guard 
as  soon  as  completed,  the  other  to  be  retained  by  the  corporal. 

385.  As  soon  as  directed  by  the  officer  of  the  guard,  the  corporal 
of  the  first  relief  posts  his  relief. 

386.  The  corporal  forms  his  relief  and  then  commands :    Call  off. 
Commencing  on  the  right,  the  men  call  off  alternately,  rear  and 
front  rank,  "one,*'  "two,"  "three,"  and  so  on;  if  in  single  rank,  they 


Afij 


formttt'en  o 


t  Pot? 


/re  •*-  Corp. 


_. 
' 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  93 

call  off  from  right  to  left.  The  corporal  then  commands :  i.  Right, 
2.  Face,  3.  Forward,  4.  March.  If  formed  in  single  rank,  the  cor- 
poral commands:  i.  Twos  right,  2.  March.  In  wet  weather  the 
relief  may  be  marched  at  secure  arms. 

387.  The  corporal  marches  on  the  left  and  near  the  rear  file,  in 
order  to  observe  the  march.     The  corporal  of  the  old  guard  marches 
on  the  right  of  the  leading  file,  and  takes  command  when  the  last  one 
of  the  old  sentinels  is  relieved,  changing  places  with  the  corporal  of 
the  new  guard. 

388.  When  a  relief  arrives  at  six  paces  from  a  sentinel,  the  cor- 
poral halts  it  and  commands,  according  to  the  post:    No.  ( ). 

At  this  time  the  old  sentinel  should  be  standing  in  the  middle  of  his 
beat,  facing  the  relief  and  at  the  right  shoulder.     Both  sentinels 
execute  port  arms  or  saber;  the  new  sentinel  approaches  the  old, 
halting  at  about  one  pace  from  him. 

389.  The  cqrporals  advance  and  place  themselves,  facing  each 
other,  a  little  in  advance  of  the  new  sentinel,  the  old  corporal  on  his 
right,  the  new  corporal  on  his  left,  both  at  the  right  shoulder,  and 
observe  that  the  old  sentinel  transmits  correctly  his  instructions. 
(See  diagram  on  opposite  page.) 

390.  The  instructions  relative  to  the  post  having  been  com- 
municated, the  new  corporal  commands,  Post.     Both  sentinels  then 
resume  the  right  shoulder,  face  toward  the  new  corporal,  and  step 
back  so  as  to  allow  the  relief  to  pass  in  front  of  them.     The  new 
corporal  then  commands:     i.  Forward,   2.  March.     The  old  sen- 
tinel then  takes  his  place  in  rear  of  the  relief  as  it  passes  him,  his 
piece  in  the  same  position  as  those  of  the  relief.     The  new  sentinel 
stands  fast  at  a  right  shoulder  until  the  relief  has  passed  six  paces 
beyond  him,  when  he  walks  his  post.     The  corporals  take  their  posts 
as  the  relief  passes  them. 

39 1 .  The  sentinels  at  the  guard- house  are  the  first  relieved ;  they 
are  left  at  the  guard-house.      All  others  will  march  with  the  relief. 

392.  On  the  return  of  the  old  relief,  the  new  corporal  falls  out 


94  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

when  the  relief  halts ;  the  corporal  of  the  old  guard  forms  his  relief 
on  the  left  of  the  old  guard,  salutes,  reports  to  the  commander  of  the 
guard:  "Sir,  the  relief  is  present"',  or,  "Sir,  (So-and-so)  is  absent," 
and  takes  his  place  in  the  guard. 

393.  To  post  a  relief  after  the  sentinels  of  the  old  guard  have 
been  relieved,  the  corporal  forms  it  by  the  commands :   i .  (Such)  re- 
lief,   2.   Fall  in;   and,  if  the  arms  are  stacked,    3.    Take,    4.  Arms. 
The  relief  is  formed  in  double  rank,  facing  to  the  front  with  arms 
at  an  order;    the  men  place  themselves  according  to  the  numbers 
of  their  respective  posts — viz.,  the  even  numbers  in  the  front  rank, 
the  odd  numbers  in  the  rear  rank,  numbers  one  and  two  being  on 
the  right.     The  corporal,  standing  about  two  paces  in  front  of  the 
center  of  the  relief,  commands:     i.  Call,   2.  Off.     The  men  call  off 
as  heretofore  prescribed.     The  corporal  then  commands:     i.  Port, 
2.  Arms,  3.  Open  chamber,  4.  Close  chamber,  5.   Order,  6.  Arms; 
faces  the  commander  of  the  guard,  salutes  with  the  rifle  salute,  re- 
ports, "Sir,  the  relief  is  present"]   or,  "Sir,  (So-and-so)  is  absent," 
and  then  takes  his  place  on  the  right  at  the  order  arms. 

394.  Having  inspected  the  relief,  the  commander  of  the  guard 
directs  the  corporal,  Post  your  relief.     The  corporal  salutes  and  posts 
his  relief  as  prescribed  for  the  first  relief.     The  corporal  of  the  relief 
on  post  does  not  go  with  the  new  relief  unless  it  be  necessary  to 
show  the  way. 

395.  If  so  directed  by  the  commander  of  the  guard,  the  cor- 
poral, before  posting  his  relief,  will  command :   i .  With  ball  cartridges, 
2.  Load,  3.  Lock,  4.  Pieces,  5.  Order,  6.  Arms. 

396.  To  dismiss  the  old  relief,  it  is  halted  and  faced  to  the  front 
at  the  guard-house  by  the  corporal  of  the  new  relief,  who  then  falls 
out;  the  corporal  of  the  old  relief  steps  in  front  of  the  relief,  and 
commands:     i.  Port,  2.  Arms,  3.  Open  chamber,  4.  Close  chamber, 
5.  Dismissed;  or,    5.  Order,    6.  Arms,    7.  Stack,    8.  Arms,    9.  Dis- 
missed. 

397.  Should  the  pieces  have  been  loaded  before  the  relief  was 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  95 

posted,  the  corporal  will,  before  dismissing  the  relief,  see  that  no 
cartridges  are  left  in  the  chambers  or  magazines.  The  same  rule 
applies  to  sentinels  over  prisoners. 

398.  Bach  corporal  will  thoroughly  acquaint  himself  with  all 
the  special  orders  of  every  sentinel  on  his  relief,  and  see  that  each 
sentinel  correctly  transmits  such  orders  in  detail  to  his  successor. 

399.  He  will  see  that  each  sentinel,  on  being  posted,  clearly 
understands  the  limits  and  extent  of  his  post. 

400.  There  should  be  at  least  one  noncommissioned   officer 
constantly  on  the  alert  at  the  guard-house — usually  the  corporal 
whose  .relief  is  on  post.     This  noncommissioned  officer  takes  post 
near  the  entrance  to  the  guard-house,  and  does  not  fall  in  with 
the  guard  when  it  is  formed.     He  will  have  his  rifle  with  him 
constantly. 

401.  Whenever  it  becomes  necessary  for  the  corporal  to  leave 
his  post  near  the  entrance  to  the  guard-house,  he  will  notify  the 
sergeant  of  the  guard,  who  will  at  once  take  his  place,  or  designate 
another  noncommissioned  officer  to  do  so. 

402.  He  will  see  that  no  person  enters  the  guard-house  or  guard- 
tent  or  crosses  the  post  of  the  sentinels  there  posted  without  proper 
authority. 

403.  Should  any  sentinel  call  for  the  corporal  of  the  guard,  the 
corporal  will,  in  every  case,  at  once  and  quickly  proceed  to  such 
sentinel.     He  will  notify  the  sergeant  of  the  guard  before  leaving 
the  guard-house. 

404.  He  will  at  once  report  to  the  commander  of  the  guard  any 
violation  of  regulations  or  any  unusual  occurrence  which  is  reported 
to  him  by  a  sentinel,  or  which  comes  to  his  notice  in  any  other  way. 

405.  Should  a  sentinel  call,  "The  Guard,"  the  corporal  will 
promptly  notify  the  commander  of  the  guard. 

406.  Should  a  sentinel  call,  "Relief,"  the  corporal  will  at  once 
proceed  to  the  post  of  such  sentinel,  taking  with  him  the  man  next 
for  duty  on  that  post.     If  the  sentinel  is  relieved  for  a  short  time 


96  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

only,  the  corporal  will  again  post  him  as  soon  as  the  necessity  for 
his  relief  ceases. 

407.  When  the  countersign  is  used,  the  corporal  at  the  posting 
of  the  relief  during  whose  tour  the  challenging  is  to  begin  gives  the 
countersign  to  the  members  of  the  relief,  excepting  those  posted  at 
the  guard- house. 

408.  He  will,  at  the  proper  time,  notify  No.  i  of  the  hour,  if  the 
sentinels  are  required  to  call  the  hours  or  half-hours  of  the  night. 

409.  He  will  wake  the  corporal  whose  relief  is  next  on  post  in 
time  for  the  latter  to  verify  the  prisoners,  form  his  relief,  and  post  it 
at  the  proper  hour. 

410.  Should  the  guard  be  turned  out,  each  corporal  will  call  his 
own  relief  and  cause  its  members  to  fall  in.  promptly. 

411.  Tents  or  bunks  in  the  same  vicinity  will  be  designated  for 
the  reliefs,  so  that  all  members  of  each  relief  may,  if  necessary,  be 
found  and  turned  out  by  the  corporal  in  the  least  time  and  with  the 
least  confusion. 

412.  When  challenged  by  a  sentinel,  while  posting  his  relief, 
the    corporal   commands:     i.  Relief,     2.  Halt.     To    the    sentinel's 
challenge  he  answers,  "Relief,"  and  at  the  order  of  the  sentinel, 
he   advances  alone  to  give  the  countersign,  or  to  be  recognized. 
When  the  sentinel  says,  "Advance,  Relief,"  the  corporal  commands: 
i.    Forward,   2.  March.      If  to  be  relieved,  the  sentinel  is  then   re- 
lieved as  prescribed. 

413.  Between  retreat  and  reveille,  the  corporal  of  the  guard 
will  challenge  all  suspicious-looking  persons  or  parties  he  may  ob- 
serve, first  halting  his  patrol  or  relief,  if  either  be  with  him.     He  will 
advance  them  in  the  same  manner  that  sentinels  on  post  advance 
like  parties;  but  if  the  route  of  the  patrol  be  on  the  line  of  a  con- 
tinuous chain  of  sentinels,  he  should  not  challenge  persons  coming 
near  him  unless  he  has  reason  to  believe  that  they  have  eluded  the 
vigilance  of  the  sentinels. 

414.  Between  retreat  and  reveille,  whenever  so  ordered  by  an 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  97 

officer  entitled  to  inspect  the  guard,  the  corporal  will  call,  Turn  out 
the  guard,  announcing  the  title  of  the  officer,  and  then,  if  not  other- 
wise ordered,  he  will  salute  and  return  to  his  post. 

415.  Between    retreat    and   reveille,    on    the    approach    of    an 
armed  party  other  than  a  relief  or  other  detachment  of  the  guard,  he 
will  call,  Turn  out  the  guard,  armed  party,  and  remain  where  he  can 
observe  the  movements  of  the  party  while  the  guard  is  forming,  and 
then  return  to  his  post. 

416.  As  a  general  rule,  he  will  advance  parties  approaching  the 
post  of  the  guard  in  the  same  manner  that  sentinels  advance  like 
parties..    Thus  the  sentinel  at  the  guard-house  challenges  and  re- 
peats the  answer  to  the  corporal;  the  corporal,  advancing  at  a  port 
arms,  says,  Advance,  (So-and-so),  with  the  countersign,  or  to  be  recog- 
nized, if  there  be  no  countersign  used;  the  countersign  being  cor- 
rectly given,  or  the  party  being  duly  recognized,  the  corporal  says, 
Advance,  (So-and-So),  repeating  the  answer  to  the  challenge  of  the 
sentinel. 

417.  When  officers  of  different  rank  approach  the  guard- house 
from  different  directions  at  the  same  time,  the  senior  will  be  ad- 
vanced first,  and  will  not  be  made  to  wait  for  his  junior. 

418.  Out  of  ranks  and  under  arms,  the  corporal  salutes  with 
the  rifle  salute.     He  will  salute  all  officers,  whether  by  day  or  night. 
If  marching  his  relief,  he  will  bring  his  relief  to  eyes  right  before 
saluting  the  commanding  officer  and  his  superiors. 

419.  The  corporal  examines  parties  halted   and  detained  by 
sentinels,  and  if  he  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  parties  have  no 
authority  to  cross  sentinels'  posts,  will  conduct  them  tp  the  com- 
mander of  the  guard. 

420.  The  corporal  of  the  guard  will  arrest  all  suspicious-looking 
persons  prowling  about  the  post  or  camp,  all  persons  of  disorderly 
character  disturbing  the  peace,  and  all  persons  taken  in  the  act  of 
committing  crime  against  the  Government  on  a  military  reservation 
or  post.     All  persons  arrested  by  corporals  of  the  guard,  or  by  sen- 


98  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

tinels,  will  be  at  once  conducted  to  the  commander  of  the  guard  by 
the  corporal. 

421.  When  the  guard  detail  falls  in  on  the  company  parade- 
ground,  the  corporals  fall  in  in  the  line  of  file-closers.     They  retain 
this  position  after  the  formation  of  the  guard  and  until  the  com- 
mand:    i.  Open,   2.  Rank,  when  they  step  three  paces  to  the  rear 
and  dress  to  the  right. 

422.  At  the  command  by  the  adjutant:     i.  Officer  and  non- 
commissioned officers,  front  and  center,  2.  March,  the  noncommis- 
sioned officers  execute  the  right  shoulder,  pass  by  the  nearest  flank, 
and,  moving  along  the  front,  form  in  order  of  rank,  from  right  to  left, 
three  paces  in  rear  of  the  officer;  if  there  be  no  officer  of  the  guard, 
they  form  in  line  three  paces  in  front  of  the  adjutant.     They  remain 
at  the  right  shoulder.     At  the  command:     i.  Noncommissioned  of- 
ficers,  2.  Posts,   3.  March,  they  face  about  and  take  the  posts  as- 
signed them,  as  prescribed  in  the  School  of  the  Company,  with  open 
ranks,  and  order  arms. 

423.  The  morning  and  evening  gun  will  be  fired  by  a  detachment 
of  the  guard  consisting,  when  practicable,  of  a  corporal  and  two 
privates.     The  morning  gun  is  fired  at  the  first  note  of  the  reveille, 
or,  if  the  marches  be  played  before  the  reveille,  it  is  fired  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  first  march.     The  retreat  gun  is  fired  at  the  last 
note  of  retreat.     The  corporal  marches  the  detachment  to  and  from 
the  piece,  and  the  piece  is  fired,  sponged  out,  and  secured  under  his 
direction. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  99 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
THE  REGIMENTAL  SERGEANT-MAJOR. 

1.  The  regimental  sergeant-major  is  the  principal  assistant  to 
the  regimental  adjutant.     He  will,  preferably,  be  selected  from  the 
noncommissioned   officers   of   the   regiment   who   are   most   distin- 
guished for  efficiency,  bravery,  and  soldierly  bearing.     Paragraph 
251,  A.  R.  1908. 

2.  He  is  the  senior  noncommissioned  officer  of  the  regiment. 
In  the  clerk's  office  at  regimental  headquarters,  he  is  the  representa- 
tive of  the  adjutant,   and  his  orders  should  be  obeyed  without 
question. 

3.  At  first  sergeant's  call,  he  will  transmit  all  routine  orders  and 
communications  to  the  first  sergeants,  either  by  posting  them  on  the 
bulletin-board   or  verbally.     He  will  assist  the  first  sergeants,  es- 
pecially those  of  recent  appointment,  with  information  and  advice 
as  to  the  proper  preparation  of  returns,  reports,  letters,  etc. 

4.  Under  no  circumstances,  except  by  permission  of  the  adju- 
tant, will  he  give  out  any  information  concerning  the  administration 
of  the  regiment,  or  of  any  other  matters  passing  through  his  office. 
He  should  not  gossip  about  official  matters,  either  in  or  out  of  the 
office. 

5.  He  will  not  lend  communications,  books,  maps,  etc.,  per- 
taining to  Headquarters,  to  anyone,  except  by  permission  of  the 
adjutant. 

6.  He  is  responsible,  under  the  adjutant,  for  the  proper  care  and 
preservation  of  all  regimental,   noncommissioned  staff,   and  band 
records.     He  will  supervise  the  clerks  at  regimental  headquarters  in 
the  work  pertaining  to  the  regimental,  noncommissioned  staff,  and 
band  records;    he  will  see  that  files  of  all  orders,  circulars,  letters, 
retained  copies  of  rolls,  returns,  etc.,  are  properly  kept. 


ioo  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

He  will  see  that  copies  of  Army  Regulations  at  Headquarters 
are  amended  to  date,  and  he  should  be  required  to  keep  a  memor- 
andum-book of  records  of  events  pertaining  to  the  regiment  for  the 
information  of  the  adjutant  in  compiling  the  regimental  history. 

7.  He  is  responsible  to  the  adjutant  for  all  Government  and 
regimental  property  at  headquarters. 

8.  He  will  see  that  the  janitor  at  headquarters  keeps  the  rooms 
and  lavatories  clean  and  orderly.     He  will  also  see  that  the  head- 
quarters is  kept  properly  heated  and  lighted. 

9.  If  the  regiment  has  a  printing  press,  he  will,  under  the  adju- 
tant, be  in  immediate  charge  of  the  enlisted  men  employed  in  the 
printing  office. 

10.  He  is  charged  with  the  duty  of  keeping  all  rosters  per- 
taining to  the  noncommissioned  officers  and  musicians  and  of  per- 
sonally making  all  details  for  guard,  fatigue,  and  other  duties. 

11.  In  the  field,  in  addition  to  his  clerical  duties,  he  should 
assist  the  adjutant  in  keeping  the  records  of  field  orders,  messages, 
etc.,  received  and  sent,  carefully  noting  the  time  of  receipt  and 
dispatch  of  orders,  messages,  etc. 

In  the  field,  the  regimental  sergeant-major  should  be  mounted, 
else  he  will  be  of  little  use  to  either  adjutant  or  commanding  officer. 

12.  In  all  formations  of  the  regiment  in  line,  the  regimental 
noncommissioned    staff    officers,   the  sergeant-major  on  the  right, 
form,  at  one  pace  apart,  on  the  right  of  the  noncommissioned  staff  of 
the  first  battalion;    in  column,  the  interval  between  them  is  such 
that  they  cover  the  head  of  the  column.     Paragraph  350,  I.  D.  R. 

13.  In  the  formation  of  the  regiment,  the  regimental  noncom- 
missioned staff  takes  post  as  the  last  battalion  is  being  formed  on 
the  line.     Paragraph  352,   I.   D.   R.     When  the  last  battalion  is 
nearing  the  line,  the  regimental  sergeant-major  forms  the  regimental 
noncommissioned  staff  in  line,  with  one  pace  interval,  the  left  about 
thirty  paces  in  rear  and  one  pace  to  the  right  of  the  noncommis- 
sioned staff  of  the  first  battalion.     He  gives  the  command :   i .  Draw, 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  101 

2.  Saber;  followed  by:  i.  Forward,  2.>Gu\de  left;  3.  Ma>'ch.  He 
halts  the  noncommissioned  staff  one  pace  in  rear  of  the  line,  each 
taking  the  order  saber  upon  halting,  and  dresses  it  to  the  left  without 
leaving  his  place  in  line. 

At  regimental  review,  at  the  command  of  the  Colonel:  i.  Pre- 
pare for  review,  2.  Open  ranks,  the  regimental  noncommissioned 
staff  officers  carry  saber.  At  the  command:  3.  March,  they  are 
dressed  to  the  left,  the  line  verified  by  the  sergeant-major,  who  then 
gives  the  command  Front,  at  which  command  they  turn  their  heads 
and  eyes  to  the  front  and  take  the  order  saber. 

14.  In  passing  in  review,  the  regimental  sergeant-major  gives 
to  the  noncommissioned  staff  the  same  commands  for  changing 
direction  and  for  saluting  the  reviewing  officer  as  are  given  to  the 
company  by  the  company  commander.     He  should  previously  cau- 
tion the  noncommissioned  staff  to  extend  its  front  during  the  second 
change  of  direction  to  cover  the  head  of  the  column — i.  e.,  the  front 
of  the  leading  company. 

15.  At  regimental  inspection,  on  the  approach  of  the  inspect- 
or, the  adjutant  gives  the  command:    i.  Inspection,   2.  Arms.     At 
the  second  command,  the  noncommissioned  staff  officers  take  the 
carry  saber.     When  the  inspector  approaches  each,  each  executes 
the  first  motion  of  the  present  saber,  turning  the  wrist  to  show  both 
sides  of  the  blade  when  the  inspector  is  in  front  of  him  and  resuming 
the  carry  saber  when  the  inspector  has  passed.     As  soon  as  in- 
spected, the  noncommissioned  staff  may  be  dismissed.     The  adju- 
tant  gives   the   commands:     i.  Return,    2.  Saber,    3.  Noncommis- 
sioned staff  and  color  guard,  4.  Dismissed. 

At  inspection  with  field  equipment,  after  the  inspection  above 
described,  the  adjutant  should  give  the  necessary  commands  for 
returning  sabers,  after  which  he  would  give  the  necessary  com- 
mands for  unslinging  and  inspection  of  packs,  remaking  of  packs, 
dismissal,  etc. 

1 6.  At  muster,  as  the  mustering  officer  approaches,  the  adjutant 


1 02  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

brings  thz  noncommissioned  otaiT  to  the  carry  saber,  if  not  already 
there,  and  commands:  i.  Attention  to  muster.  The  mustering  of- 
ficer or  the  adjutant  then  calls  the  roll;  and  as  each  man's  name  is 
called,  he  answers,  "Here,"  and  takes  the  order  saber.  Paragraph 
399,  I.  D.  R. 

17.  There  is  nothing  prescribed  in  Infantry  Drill  Regulations 
as  to  the  post  of  the  regimental  sergeant-major  in  extended  order. 
It  is  believed  that  he,  with  the  rest  of  the  noncommissioned  staff, 
should  take  post  in  rear  of  the  Colonel  and  his  staff. 

1 8.  At  adjutant's  call,  the  adjutant,  dismounted,  and  the  ser- 
geant-major on  his  left,  march  to  the  parade-ground.     The  adju- 
tant halts  and  takes  post  so  as  to  be  twelve  paces  in  front  of  and 
facing  the  center  of  the  guard  when  formed;  the  sergeant-major 
continues  on,  moves  by  the  left  flank,  and  takes  post  facing  to  the 
left,  twelve  paces  to  the  left  of  the  front  rank  of  the  band;  the  band 
plays  in  quick  or  double  time;  the  details  are  marched  to  the 
parade-ground  by  the  first  sergeants;  the  detail  that  arrives  first  is 
so  marched  that,  upon  halting,  the  breast  of  the  right  front-rank 
man  shall  be  near  to  and  opposite  the  left  arm  of  the  sergeant-major; 
the  first  sergeant  halts  his  detail,  places  himself  in  front  of  and 
facing  the  sergeant-major,  at  a  distance  equal  to  or  a  little  great- 
er than  the  front  of  his  detail,  and  commands:     i.  Right,   2.  Dress. 
The  detail  dresses  up  to  the  line  of  the  sergeant-major  and  first 
sergeant,  the  right  front-rank  man  placing  his  breast  against  the  left 
arm  of  the  sergeant-major;  the  noncommissioned  officers  take  post 
two  paces,  and  the  supernumeraries  nine  paces,  in  rear  of  the  rear 
rank  of  the  detail.     The  detail  aligned,  the  first  sergeant  commands: 
Front,  salutes,  and   then  reports:     "The  detail  is  correct";  or,  "(So 
many)    sergeants,  corporals,  or  privates  are  absent";    the  sergeant- 
major  returns  the  salute  with  the  right  hand  after  the  report  is 
made;  the  first  sergeant  then  passes  by  the  right  of  the  guard  and 
takes  post  three  paces  in  rear  of  his  supernumerary. 

Each  of  the  other  details  is  formed  in  like  manner  on  the  left  of 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  103 

the  one  preceding;  the  privates,  noncommissioned  officers,  super- 
numerary, and  the  first  sergeants  of  each  detail  dress  on  those  of 
the  preceding  details  in  the  same  rank  or  line;  each  first  sergeant 
closes  the  rear  rank  to  the  right  and  fills  in  blank  files,  as  far  as  prac- 
ticable, with  men  from  his  front  rank. 

The  company  details  alternate  in  taking  the  right  of  the  line. 
Paragraph  508,  I.  D.  R. 

When  the  last  detail  has  been  formed,  the  sergeant-major  takes 
a  side  step  to  the  right,  draws  sword,  verifies  the  detail  (passing 
down  the  front  of  the  guard,  around  the  left  flank,  and  in  rear  of  the 
guard  to  his  post),  takes  post  two  paces  to  the  right  and  two  paces 
in  front  of  the  guard,  facing  to  the  left,  causes  the  guard  to  count  off, 
completes  the  left  squad,  if  necessary,  as  in  the  school  of  the  com- 
pany, and  if  there  be  more  than  three  squads,  divides  the  guard 
into  two  platoons  (leaving  his  post  to  indicate  the  point  of  divi- 
sion, if  necessary),  again  takes  post  as  described  above,  and  com- 
mands: i.  Open  ranks,  2.  March. 

At  the  command  March,  the  rear  rank  steps  back  and  halts 
three  paces  in  rear  of  the  front  rank;  the  noncommissioned  officers 
three  paces  in  rear  of  the  rear  rank;  all  dress  to  the  rank.  The 
sergeant-major  verifies  the  alignment  of  the  ranks,  file-closers,  su- 
pernumeraries, and  first  sergeants,  again  takes  post  as  described 
above,  and  commands,  Front,  moves  parallel  to  the  front  rank 
until  opposite  the  center,  turns  to  the  right,  halts  midway  to  the 
adjutant,  salutes,  and  reports:  "Sir,  the  details  are  correct";  or, 
"Sir,  (so  many)  sergeants,  corporals,  or  privates  are  absent";  the  adju- 
tant returns  the  salute,  directs  the  sergeant-major:  Take  your 
post,  and  then  draws  saber;  the  sergeant-major  faces  about,  ap- 
proaches to  within  two  paces  of  the  center  of  the  front  rank,  turns 
to  the  right,  moves  three  paces  beyond  the  left  of  the  front  rank, 
turns  to  the  left,  halts  on  the  line  of  the  front  rank,  faces  about,  and 
brings  his  sword  to  the  order.  Paragraph  509,  I.  D.  R. 

During  inspection  of  the  guard,  if  the  adjutant  approaches  him, 
the  sergeant-major  executes  inspection  saber. 


io4          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

When  the  guard  is  presented  to  the  new  officer  of  the  day,  he 
salutes  as  prescribed.  Paragraph  526,  I.  D.  R. 

When  the  guard  has  been  presented  to  the  new  officer  of  the  day 
and  has  been  formed  in  column  of  platoons  to  the  right,  the  sergeant- 
major  places  himself  six  paces  from,  and  abreast  of,  the  front  rank 
of  the  second  platoon. 

If  the  guard  be  not  divided  into  platoons,  the  sergeant-major 
takes  post  abreast  of  the  front  rank,  covering  the  adjutant. 

If  the  march  in  review  is  omitted  and  the  guard  is  marched  to  its 
post  in  column  of  squads  or  twos,  the  sergeant-major,  remaining  in 
place,  returns  sword  with  the  adjutant,  salutes  the  adjutant  with 
the  right  hand,  and  retires. 

When  marching  in  review,  the  sergeant-major  salutes  with  the 
adjutant. 

Having  passed  twelve  paces  beyond  the  officer  of  the  day,  the 
adjutant  halts;  the  sergeant-major  halts  abreast  of  the  adjutant  and 
one  pace  to  his  left;  they  then  return  saber,  salute,  and  retire. 

19.  In  camp,  the  tents  of  the  noncommissioned  staff  and  band 
are  at  the  head  of  the  column.     Paragraph  563,  I.  D.  R. 

The  sergeant-major's  tent  is  on  the  flank  of  the  line  toward  the 
officer's  line. 

20.  The  sergeant-major  is  not  required,  but  is  permitted,  to 
attend  the  annual  target  practice  of  the  command. 

He  is  required  to  take  the  dismounted  course  in  pistol  practice. 
He  is  entitled  to  the  extra  pay  provided  by  law  for  qualification 
at  target  practice. 

21.  The  sergeant-major  is  allowed  one  room  as  quarters.     For 
heating  allowance,  he  is  given  the  fuel  prescribed  in  A.  R.  1044. 

He  is  allowed  the  illuminating  supplies  prescribed  in  A.  R.  1057. 
The  allowances  for  heat  and  light  are  cumulative  during  any  fis- 
cal year,  provided  that  at  no  time  the  accumulated  allowance  be 
exceeded. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  105 

The  allowance  for  subsistence  is  that  prescribed  for  all  enlisted 
men. 

The  clothing  allowance  is  determined  by  the  length  of  his  service. 

22.  When  traveling  under  orders  without  troops,  the  sergeant- 
major  is  entitled  to  a  double  berth  in  a  sleeping-car,  or  to  the  cus- 
tomary stateroom  accommodations  on  steamers,  where  extra  charge 
is  made  for  the  same.     A.  R.  1136. 

23.  The  allowance  of  baggage  of  a  sergeant-major  to  be  trans- 
ported at  public  expense  on  a  permanent  change  of  station  is  3,000 
pounds.      This  allowance  is  in  excess  of  the  weights  transported  free 
of  charge  under  the  regular  fare  by  public  carriers.     A.  R.  1 136. 

24.  On  board  any  Army  transport,  the  sergeant-major  is  sub- 
sisted at  the  ship's  officer's  mess.     He  will  be  assigned  by  the  trans- 
port quartermaster  to  a  second-class  cabin  or  dormitory  quarters, 
according  to  rank,  when  such  accommodations  and  quarters  are 
available. 

25.  The  arms  and  equipments  of  a  sergeant-major,  as  prescribed 
in  G.  O.  No.  23,  War  Department,  1906,  are  as  follows: 

i  noncommissioned  officer's  sword ; 

i  waist-belt  for  garrison  service; 

i  frog; 

i  revolver; 

i  revolver  holster; 

i  revolver  cartridge  box  for  garrison  service ; 

i  revolver  cartridge  belt,  with  fasteners; 

i  first  aid  package,  with  pouch  for  same; 

i  canteen,  haversack,  meat  can,  cup,  knife,  fork,  and  spoon; 

1  set  blanket-roll  straps ; 

2  canteen-haversack  straps ; 
i  shelter  tent  half ; 

i  shelter  tent  pole; 
5  shelter  tent  pins. 


io6          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

CHAPTER  XV. 
THE  CHIEF  MUSICIAN,  THE  PRINCIPAL  MUSICIAN. 

The  Chief  Musician. 

1.  The  duties  of  the  chief  musician  are  nowhere  clearly  and 
distinctly  defined,  but  depend  upon  the  will  of  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  band.     In  some  bands,  he  is  charged  with  the  admin- 
istrative and  disciplinary  duties  of  a  first  sergeant  of  a  company. 
In  this  case,  his  duties  in  general  will  be  those  prescribed  for  the 
first  sergeant  as  prescribed  in  Chapter  IX.,  as  far  as  they  may  per- 
tain to  the  band,  with  the  exception  of  the  clerical  work,  which  is 
usually  performed  ifr  the  adjutant's  office  under  the  supervision  of 
the  sergeant-major.     In  some  regiments,  he  is  charged  only  with 
the  musical  instruction  of  the  band,  together  with  the  discipline  of 
the  band  as  far  as  it  pertains  to  that  instruction.     In  such  cases,  the 
administrative   and   disciplinary   duties   of  the  first  sergeant   are 
imposed  upon  the  drum-major. 

2.  In  general,  however,  he  should  be  in  direct  charge  of  the 
band  during  all  formations,  rehearsals,  concerts,  or  other  musical 
duties  required  of  it. 

3.  He  is  responsible  for  the  musical  instruction  of  the  band. 
Ordinarily  it  will  devolve  upon  him  to  select  proper  music,  assign 
members  of  the  band  to  instruments,  give  instructions  for  indi- 
vidual practice,  and,  in  every  way,  to  be  responsible  for  the  musical 
efficiency  of  the  band. 

4.  He  is  the  senior  noncommissioned  officer  of  the  band,  and 
should  receive  his  orders  and  instructions  direct  from  the  com- 
manding officer  and  the  adjutant. 

5.  He  should  make  recommendations  to  the  adjutant  in  regard 
to  the  appointment  and  promotions  of  noncommissioned  officers  of 
the  band. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  107 

6.  He  should  supervise  the  drum-major  and  principal  musician 
in  the  performance  of  their  duties. 

The  Principal  Musician. 

i.  He  should  assist  the  chief  musician  in  the  musical  instruc- 
tion of  the  band,  take  his  place  in  case  of  sickness  or  absence,  and 
should  be  in  charge  of  and  responsible  for  the  instruction  of  the 
field  musicians. 


io8  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 
THE  DRUM-MAJOR. 

1.  When  so  ordered,  the  drum-major's  duties  in  the  discipline 
and  administration  of  the  band  are  similar  to  those  prescribed  for  the 
first  sergeant  in  Chapter  IX. 

2.  He  is  generally  charged  with  the  duties  of  mess  sergeant  as 
prescribed  in  Chapter  X.,  and  with  the  property  responsibility  pre- 
scribed for  the  quartermaster-sergeant  in  the  same  chapter. 

3.  Unless  living  apart  from  barracks,  he  is  responsible  for  the 
order  and  police  of  the  same  at  all  times.    - 

4.  He  should  accompany  the  adjutant  at  daily  inspections  of 
the  quarters. 

5.  At  military  formations  of  the  band  he  has  charge  of  and 
marches  it.      He  should  thoroughly  acquaint  himself  with  the  post 
of  the  band  at  all  formations  for  the  battalion  and  the  regiment  at 
all  ceremonies. 

6.  The  post  of  the  drum-major  is  three  paces  in  front  of  the 
center  of  the  band.     He  gives  the  signals  or  commands  for  the  move- 
ments of  the  band  as  for  a  squad,  substituting  in  the  commands  band 
for  squad.     Paragraph  536,  I.  D.  R. 

7.  With  the  battalion  in  line,  the  band  is  posted  with  the  left 
of  its  front  rank  twenty-four  paces  to  the  right  of  the  front  rank  of 
the  battalion. 

In  column,  it  marches  with  its  rear  rank  twenty-four  paces  in 
front  of  the  leading  company,  or  its  front  rank  twenty-four  paces  in 
rear  of  the  rear  company,  according  to  the  direction  in  which  the 
battalion  is  facing.  In  the  line  of  columns,  the  band  retains  its  line 
position,  marching  abreast  of  the  leading  guides 

The  field  music,  if  present  within  the  band,  forms  in  rear  of  it. 

8.  For  the  formation  of  the  battalion,  and  before  adjutant's  call 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  109 

is  sounded,  the  band  takes  a  position  designated  by  the  adjutant  at 
a  signal  from  him,  the  drum-major  causes  the  band  to  sound  the 
adjutant's  call.  When  the  call  has  been  sounded,  he  causes  the 
band  to  play  a  march  and  marches  it  at  the  same  time  as  the  com- 
panies to  its  position  on  the  line.  Paragraph  262,  I.  D.  R. 

9.  At  formations  of  the  regiment  in  line,  in  line  of  columns,  and 
in  line  of  masses,  the  band  is  posted  with  the  left  of  its  front  rank 
twenty-four  paces  to  the  right  of  the  first  battalion.     In  evolutions, 
it  takes,  as  far  as  practicable,  the  positions  prescribed  in  the  School 
of  the  Battalion,  unless  excused  or  a  position  is  assigned  to  it  by  the 
Colonel.     Paragraph  334,  I.  D.  R. 

10.  At  the  formation  of  the  regiment,  the  movements  of  the 
band  are  the  same  as  prescribed  in  paragraph  8,  except  that  adju- 
tant's call  is  sounded  twice,  once  for  the  formation  of  the  battalions 
and,  the  second  time,  for  the  formation  of  the  regiment.     After  the 
second  sounding  of  the  call,  the  band  plays  a  march  and  moves  to 
its  place  in  the  formation. 

11.  At  reviews,   the  band  of  each  regiment  plays  while  the 
reviewing  officer  is  passing  in  front  of  and  in  rear  of  the  regiment. 

Each  band,  immediately  after  passing  the  reviewing  officer,  turns 
out  of  the  column,  takes  post  in  front  of  him,  continues  to  play 
"until  its  regiment  has  passed,  then  ceases  playing  and  follows  in 
rear  of  its  regiment;  the  band  of  the  following  regiment  commences 
to  play  as  soon  as  the  preceding  band  has  ceased. 

When  marching  in  review,  but  one  band  in  each  brigade  plays 
at  a  time,  and  but  one  band  at  a  time  when  within  one  hundred 
yards  of  the  reviewing  officer. 

12.  In  line,  when  the  color  salutes,  the  march,  flourishes,  or 
ruffles  are  sounded  by  all  the  field  music;  in  passing  in  review,  by 
the  field  music  with  the  band  that  is  halted  in  front  of  the  reviewing 
officer,  the  band  continuing  to  play. 

13.  At  battalion  review,  while  the  reviewing  officer  is  going 
around  the  battalion,  the  band  plays,  ceasing  when  he  leaves  the 
right  to  return  directly  to  his  post.     Paragraph  717,  I.  D.  R. 


no          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

When  passing  in  review,  the  drum-major  causes  the  band  to 
change  direction  at  the  indicated  points  without  command  from 
the  officer  commanding  the  review. 

14.  The  drum-major  salutes  and  executes  Front,  when  passing 
in  review,  at  the  same  points  prescribed  for  the  Major.     Paragraph 

725,  I.  D.  R. 

15.  The  band  ceases  to  play  when  the  column  has  completed 
its  second  change  of  direction  after  passing  the  reviewing  officer. 
Paragraph  725,  I.  D.  R. 

1 6.  If  the  batalion  is  marched  in  review  in  double  time,  the 
band  plays  in  double  time.     Paragraph  725,  I.  D.  R. 

While  playing  in  double  time,  it  remains'  in  its  position  in  front 
of  the  reviewing  officer,  commencing  to  play  at  the  command: 
i .  Double  time,  2 .  March. 

The  review  terminates  when  the  last  company  has  passed  the 
reviewing  officer  (in  double  time) ;  the  band  then  ceases'  to  play  and, 
unless  otherwise  directed  by  the  Major,  returns  to  the  position  oc- 
cupied before  marching  in  review,  or  is  dismissed.  Paragraph 

726,  I.  D.  R. 

At  regimental  review,  in  passing  in  review,  the  band'  marches 
with  its  rear  rank  thirty-six  paces  in  front  of  the  leading  company. 
Paragraph  728,  I.  D.  R. 

17.  At  battalion  parade,  at  the  command  Sound  off,  fro/n  the 
adjutant,  the  band,  playing  in  quick  time,  passes  in  front  ot   the 
captains  to  the  left  of  the  line  and  back  to  its  post  on  the  right,  whon 
it  ceases  playing.     At  evening  parade,  when  the  band  ceases  playing .. 
retreat  is  sounded  by  the  field  music,  and  following  the  last  note,  and 
while  the  flag  is  being  lowered,  the  band  plays  "The  Star-Spangled 
Banner."     Paragraph  734,  I.  D.  R. 

1 8.  The  officers  having  closed  and  faced  to  the  front,  the  senior 
company  officer  commands:    i.  Forward,  2.  Guide  center,  3.  March. 
The  officers  advance,  the  band  playing.     ...     It  continues  to, 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  1 1 1 

play  while  they  march  to  the  front,  salute,  and  return  to  their  posts. 
.  .  .  The  music  ceases  when  all  officers  have  resumed  their  posts. 

After  marching  in  review,  the  band  continues  to  play  while  the 
companies  are  in  march  upon  the  parade-ground.  Paragraph  734, 
I.  D.  R. 

Should  the  officers  not  return  to  their  posts  with  their  companies, 
the  band  ceases  to  play  as  they  move  to  take  post  with  the  staff  of 
the  Major.  Paragraph  734,  I.  D.  R. 

19.  At  regimental  parade,  the  band,  playing  in  quick  time, 
passes  in  front  of  the  adjutant  and  field  officers  to  the  left  of  the 
regiment  and  back  to  its  post  on  the  right,  when  it  ceases  playing. 
Paragraph  734,  I.  D.  R.     During  the  parade,  it  plays  as  prescribed 
for  the  parade  of  the  battalion. 

20.  At  battalion  inspection,  at  the  command :    i .   Prepare  for 
inspection,   2.  March,  the  drum-major  conducts  the  band,  if  not  al- 
ready there,  to  its  position  in  rear  of  the  column,  and  opens  ranks. 
Paragraph  734,  I.  D.  R. 

The  adjutant  gives  the  necessary  commands  for  the  inspection 
of  the  band.  Paragraph  735,  I.  D.  R. 

The  band  plays  during  the  inspection  of  the  companies.  Para- 
graph 735,  I.  D.  R. 

When  the  inspector  approaches  the  band,  the  adjutant  com- 
mands: i.  Inspection,  2.  Instruments.  As  the  inspector  approach- 
es him,  each  man  raises  his  instrument  in  front  of  the  body,  re- 
verses it  so  as  to  show  both  sides,  then  returns  it  to  its  former 
position. 

21.  In  escorting  the  color:   The  escort  is  formed  in  column  of 
platoons,  the  band  in  front;  the  escort  then  marches  without  music 
to  the  Colonel's  quarters  or  office,  and  is  formed  in  line,  facing  the 
entrance,  the  band  on  the  right. 

When  the  escort  presents  arms  to  the  colors,  the  field  music 
sounds  to  the  color. 

When  the  colors  have  been  received,  the  escort  is  formed  in 


ii2  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

column  of  platoons  and  marches  in  quick  time  back  to  the  regi- 
ment, the  band  playing;  the  march  is  so  conducted  that  when  the 
escort  arrives  at  fifty  paces  in  front  of  the  right  of  the  regiment,  the 
direction  of  its  march  shall  be  parallel  to  its  front. 

While  arms  are  being  presented  to  the  color  in  front  of  the 
regiment,  the  field  music  again  sounds  to  the  color. 

When  the  escort  is  marching  back  to  its  post,  after  presenting 
the  colors  to  the  regiment,  the  band  plays  until  the  escort  has  passed 
the  left  of  the  line,  when  it  ceases  playing  and  returns  to  its  post  on 
the  right,  passing  in  rear  of  the  regiment.  Paragraph  736,  I.  D.  R. 

22.  In  the  funeral  escort,  the  escort  is  formed  opposite  the 
quarters  of  the  deceased,  the  band  on  the  flank  of  the  escort  toward 
which  it  is  to  march. 

Upon  the  appearance  of  the  coffin,  the  commander  commands: 
i.  Present,  2.  Arms,  and  the  band  plays  an  appropriate  air. 

The  escort  marches  slowly,  to  solemn  music. 

While  the  coffin  is  being  carried  along  the  front  of  the  escort  to 
the  grave,  the  bands  play  an  appropriate  air.  The  coffin  having 
been  placed  over  the  grave,  the  music  ceases. 

When  the  ceremony  has  been  completed,  the  escort  is  formed  in 
column  and  marched  in  quick  time  to  the  point  where  it  was  as- 
sembled and  dismissed.  The  band  does  not  play  until  it  has  left 
the  enclosure.  Paragraph  739,  I.  D.  R. 

23.  When  the  distance  to  the  place  of  interment  is  considerable, 
the  escort,  after  having  left  the  camp  or  garrison,  may  march  at  ease 
in  quick  time  until  it  approaches  the  burial-ground.     The  band  does 
not  play  while  marching  at  ease.     While  marching  at  attention,  the 
field  music  may  alternate  with  the  band  in  playing.     Paragraph 
739,  I.  D.  R. 

24.  The  field  music  sounds  the  marches,  flourishes,  or  ruffles, 
according   to  the  rank  of  the   deceased,  whenever  arms  are  pre- 
sented, after  which  the  band  plays  an  appropriate  air.     Paragraph 
739,  I.  D.  R. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  113 

25.  At  guard  mounting:     The  band  takes  post  on  the  parade, 
so  that  the  left  of  its  front  rank  shall  be  twelve  paces  to  the  right  of 
the  front  rank  of  the  guard  when  the  latter  is  formed. 

At  a  signal  from  the  adjutant,  adjutant's  call  is  sounded,  after 
which  the  band  plays  in  quick  or  double  time  as  directed,  con- 
tinuing to  play  until  the  last  detail  of  the  guard  has  been  halted 
upon  the  line. 

During  the  inspection  the  band  plays.  A  concert  selection  is 
usually  played  at  this  time.  During  the  rendering  of  this  selection, 
the  chief  musician  usually  takes  his  post  in  front  of  the  band  to  lead 
it,  and  the  drum-major  retires  to  the  file-closers  until  the  selection 
has  been  finished 

When  the  guard  has  been  brought  to  parade  rest,  the  band, 
playing,  passes  in  front  of  the  officer  of  the  guard  to  the  left  of  the 
line  and  back  to  its  post  on  the  right,  when  it  ceases  playing. 

When  column  is  formed  to  march  in  review,  the  band  turns  to 
the  right  and  places  itself  with  its  rear  rank  twelve  paces  in  front  of 
the  first  platoon. 

The  march  in  review  is  conducted  on  the  same  principles  as  for 
review,  the  band  turning  out  of  column  and  continuing  to  play  until 
the  guard  has  marched  off  the  parade-ground. 

26.  The  band  is  formed  in  two  or  more  ranks  with  sufficient  in- 
tervals between  the  men  and  distances  between  the  ranks  to  permit 
a  free  use  of  the  instruments. 

When  a  battalion  or  regiment  turns  about  by  squads,  the  band 
executes  the  countermarch;  when  the  battalion  or  regiment  exe- 
cutes right,  left,  or  about  face,  the  band  faces  in  the  same  manner. 

In  marching,  the  different  ranks  dress  to  the  right. 

In  executing  open  ranks,  each  rank  takes  the  distance  of  three 
paces  from  the  rank  next  in  front;  the  druum-major  verifies  the 
alignment. 

The  field  music  sounds  the  march,  flourishes,  or  ruffles,  and  to  the 
color  at  the  signal  of  the  drum-major. 


H4          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

27.  The  signals  of  the  drum-major:  Preparatory  to  a  signal, 
the  staff  is  held  in  the  right  hand,  hand  below  the  chin,  back  to  the 
front,  head  of  the  staff  near  the  hand,  ferrule  pointing  upward  and 
to  the  right. 

Prepare  to  play:  Face  toward  the  band  and  extend  the  right 
arm  to  its  full  length  in  the  direction  of  the  staff.  Play:  Bring  the 
arm  back  to  its  original  position  in  front  of  the  body. 

Prepare  to  cease  playing:  Extend  the  right  arm  to  its  full  length 
in  the  direction  of  the  staff.  Cease  playing:  Bring  the  arm  back  to 
its  original  position  in  front  of  the  body. 

To  march:  Turn  the  wrist  and  bring  the  staff  to  the  front,  the 
ferrule  pointing  upward  and  to  the  front;  extend  the  arm  its  full 
length  in  the  direction  of  the  staff 

To  halt:  Lower  the  staff  into  the  raised  hand  and  raise  the  staff 
horizontally  above  the  head  with  both  hands,  the  arms  extended; 
lower  the  staff  with  both  arms  to  a  horizontal  position  at  the  height 
of  the  hips. 

To  countermarch:  Face  toward  the  band  and  give  the  signal  to 
march.  The  countermarch  is  executed  by  each  front-rank  man  to 
the  right  of  the  drum-major  turning  to  the  right  about,  each  to  the 
left  turning  to  the  left  about,  each  followed  by  the  men  covering 
him.  The  drum-major  passes  through  the  center. 

To  oblique:  Bring  the  staff  to  a  horizontal  position,  the  head  of 
the  staff  opposite  the  neck,  the  ferrule  pointing  in  the  direction  the 
oblique  is  to  be  made;  extend  the  arm  to  its  full  length  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  staff. 

To  march  by  the  right  flank:  Extend  the  arm  to  the  right,  the 
staff  vertical,  ferrule  upward,  back  of  the  hand  to  the  rear. 

To  march  by  the  left  flank:  Extend  the  arm  to  the  left,  the  staff 
vertical,  ferrule  upward,  back  of  the  hand  to  the  front. 

To  diminish  front:  Let  the  ferrule  fall  into  the  left  hand  at  the 
height  of  the  eyes,  right  hand  at  the  height  of  the  hip. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  115 

To  increase  front:  Let  the  ferrule  fall  into  the  left  hand  at  the 
height  of  the  hip,  right  hand  at  the  height  of  the  neck. 

The  march,  flourishes,  or  ruffles:  Bring  the  staff  to  a  vertical  po- 
sition, hand  opposite  the  neck,  back  of  hand  to  the  front,  ferrule 
pointing  down. 

To  the  color.  Bring  the  staff  to  the  horizontal  position  at  the 
height  of  the  neck,  back  of  hand  to  the  rear,  ferrule  pointing  to 
the  left. 

When  the  band  is  playing  in  marching,  the  drum-major  beats 
the  time  with  his  staff  and  supports  the  left  hand  at  the  hip,  fingers 
in  front,  thumb  to  the  rear. 

The  drum-major,  before  making  his  report  at  parade,  salutes  by 
bringing  his  staff  to  a  vertical  position,  head  of  the  staff  up  and 
opposite  the  left  shoulder. 

The  drum-major,  marching  in  review,  passes  the  staff  between 
the  right  arm  and  the  body,  head  of  the  staff  to  the  front,  and  then 
salutes  with  the  left  hand. 

At  a  halt,  the  band  not  playing,  the  drum-major  holds  his  staff 
with  the  ferrule  touching  the  ground  about  one  inch  from  the  toe 
of  the  right  foot,  at  an  angle  of  about  sixty  degrees,  ball  pointing 
upward  to  the  right,  right  hand  grasping  the  staff  near  the  ball, 
back  of  the  hand  to  the  front ;  the  left  hand  at  the  hips,  fingers  to 
the  front,  thumb  to  the  rear.  Paragraph  781,  I.  D.  R. 

28.  The  drum-major  is  responsible  for  the  marching  of  the 
band,  and  may  drill  it  in  all  marching  movements  until  it  is 
proficient. 


1 1 6          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
THE  COLOR  SERGEANTS. 

1.  The  color  sergeants  are  regimental  noncommissioned  staff 
officers.     They  are  selected  from  among  the  noncommissioned  of- 
ficers of  the  regiment  who  have  the  longest  and  most  honorable 
service.     They  bear  the  colors  at  all  formations  where  the  colors 
are  present,  and  are  charged  with  the  safe-keeping  and  preservation 
of  them  at  all  times. 

2.  The  color  guard  consists  of  the  two  color  sergeants,  who  are 
the  color-bearers,  and  two  experienced  men  selected  by  the  Colonel. 
The  senior  color  sergeant  carries  the  National  Color;  the  junior 
color  sergeant  carries  the  Regimental  Color.     The  Regimental  Color, 
when  paraded,  is  always  on  the  left  of  the  National  Color,  in  what- 
ever direction  the  battalion  faces. 

The  colors  are  kept  at  the  office  or  quarters  of  the  Colonel,  and 
are  escorted  thereto  and  therefrom  by  the  color  guard,  which  is 
formed  and  marched  in  one  rank,  the  color-bearers  in  the  center 
Paragraph  767,  I.  D.  R. 

3.  The  color  guard,  by  command  of  the  senior  color  sergeant, 
presents  arms  on  receiving  and  parting  with  the  colors.     After 
parting  with  the  colors,  the  color  guard  is  brought  to  the  order  arms 
by  the  command  of  the  senior  member,  placed  as  the  right  man  of 
the  guard.     Paragraph  775,  I.  D.  R. 

4.  At  drills  and  ceremonies,  excepting  escort  of  the  color,  the 
color,  if  present,  is  received  by  the  color  company  after  its  formation. 
The  word  color  implies  the  National  Color  and  includes  the  Regi- 
mental Color  when  both  are  present. 

The  formation  of  the  color  company  completed,  the  captain  faces 
to  the  front ;  the  color  guard,  conducted  by  the  senibr  sergeant,  ap- 
proaches from  the  front  and  halts  at  a  distance  of  ten  paces  from  the 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  117 

captain,  who  then  faces  about,  brings  the  company  to  the  present, 
faces  to  the  front,  salutes,  again  faces  about  and  brings  the  company 
to  the  order,  the  color  guard  comes  to  the  present  and  order  at  the 
command  of  the  captain,  and  is  then  marched  by  the  color  sergeant 
directly  to  its  post  on  the  left  of  the  color  company.  Paragraph 
776,  I.  D.  R. 

5.  The  color  company  is  the  left  company  of  the  right  wing  (of 
the  battalion);  the  color  guard  remains  with  it  unless  otherwise 
directed. 

In  line,  the  color  is  between  the  inner  guides  of  the  right  and  left 
wings;  the  members  of  the  guard  in  the  line  of  file-closers  in  rear 
of  the  color. 

In  line  of  columns,  the  color  guard,  in  one  rank,  is  midway 
between  the  wings  and  on  line  with  the  captains. 

In  column  of  companies,  platoons,  or  sections,  the  color  guard, 
in  one  rank,  is  midway  between  the  wings  and  equidistant  from  the 
flanks  of  the  column. 

In  column  of  squads,  the  color  is  between  the  wings,  abreast  of 
the  guide  of  the  color  company,  in  front  or  in  rear  of  the  file  or  files 
next  to  the  file-closers ;  the  other  members  of  the  guard  retain  their 
places  in  the  line  of  file-closers. 

If,  by  movements  of  the  battalion,  the  color  guard  finds  itself 
not  between  the  wings,  it  takes  post  there  as  soon  as  practicable. 
Paragraph  772,  I.  D.  R. 

6.  The  color,  when  with  a  battalion  that  takes  the  battle  forma- 
tion, joins  the  regimental  reserve,  whose  commander  either  directs 
the  color  to  join  a  certain  company  or  detaches  a  guard  to  remain 
with  it  during  the  action. 

7.  When  ranks  are  opened,  the  color-bearers  remain  in  place; 
the  other  members  of  the  color  guard  step  back  with  the  file-closers. 
Paragraph  772,  I.  D.  R. 

8.  If  the  company  or  battalion  is  faced  about  by  the  command: 
i.  About,   2.  Face,  the  color-bearer  steps  into  the  rear,  now  become 

he  front  rank.     Paragraph  772, 1.  D.  R. 


1 1 8          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

9.  When  the  colors  and  the  guard  halt  in  front  of  the  color 
company,  the  colors  are  brought  to  the  order  and  remain  there  while 
arms  are  being  presented.     Paragraph  771,  I.  D.  R. 

10.  At  reviews,  when  the  rank  of  the  reviewing  officer  entitles 
him  to  the  honor,  each  color  salutes  at  the  command  Present  arms, 
given  or  repeated  by  the  Major  of  the  battalion  with  which  it  is 
posted ;  and  again  in  passing  in  review. 

11.  In  the  Escort  of  the  Color,  when  the  escort  has  been  formed 
in  column  of  platoons,  the  color-bearer  takes  the  post  midway  be- 
tween the  platoons,  equidistant  from  the  flanks;  when  the  line  is 
formed  in  front  of  the  Colonel's  office  or  quarters,  the  color-bearer 
takes  post  in  the  line  of  file-closers. 

The  color-bearer,  preceded  by  the  first  lieutenant  and  followed 
by  a  sergeant  of  the  escort,  then  goes  to  receive  the  color. 

He  enters  the  building,  secures  the  color,  comes  out,  and  halts 
facing  the  escort.  When  arms  have  been  presented,  the  color 
sounded,  and  the  escort  formed  in  column  of  platoons,  the  color- 
bearer  takes  post  between  the  platoons  as  before.  W^hen  line  is 
formed  in  front  of  the  regiment,  the  color-bearer,  passing  between 
the  platoons,  advances  and  halts  twelve  paces  in  front  of  the  Colonel. 
He  executes  the  color  salute  at  the  command,  Present  arms,  of  the 
Colonel.  The  Colonel  then  faces  about  and  brings  the  regiment  to 
the  order,  at  which  the  color-bearer  resumes  the  carry  and  takes 
his  post  with  the  color  company. 

12.  At  funeral  escorts,  when  the  rank  of  the  deceased  is  such  as 
to  have  entitled  him  to  the  honor,  the  color  salutes  whenever  arms 
are  presented. 

13.  At  the  carry,  the  heel  of  the  pike  rests  in  the  socket  of  the 
sling  at  the  right  hip;  the  right  hand  grasps  the  pike  at  the  height 
of  the  right  shoulder. 

At  the  order,  the  heel  of  the  pike  rests  on  the  ground  near  the 
right  toe,  the  right  hand  holding  the  pike  in  a  vertical  position. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  119 

At  parade  rest,  the  heel  of  the  pike  is  on  the  ground,  as  at  the 
order;  the  pike  is  held  with  both  hands  in  front  of  the  center  of  the 
body,  left  hand  uppermost. 

The  order  is  resumed  at  the  command  Attention. 

The  carry  is  the  habitual  position  when  the  troops  are  at  the 
shoulder,  port,  or  trail. 

The  order  and  parade  rest  are  executed  with  the  troops. 

The  color  salute:  Being  at  the  carry,  slip  the  right  hand  up  the 
pike  to  the  height  of  the  eye,  then  lower  the  pike  by  straightening 
the  arm  to  the  front. 

The  color  salutes  in  the  ceremony  of  the  Escort  of  the  Color,  and 
when  saluting  an  officer  entitled  to  the  honor,  but  in  no  other  case. 

If  marching,  the  salute  is  executed  when  at  six  paces  from  the 
officer  entitled  to  the  salute ;  the  carry  is  resumed  when  at  six  paces 
beyond  him. 

At  a  halt,  the  salute  is  executed  at  the  command  Present  arms, 
the  color  being  brought  to  the  carry  at  the  command  Present;  the 
salute  executed,  the  order  is  resumed  at  the  command  Order  arms, 
the  color  being  first  brought  to  the  carry.  Paragraph  778,  I.  D.  R. 

14.  The  officers  below  named  are  entitled  to  the  salute  by 
the  color:  The  President,  the  General,  the  Lieutenant- General,  a 
Major- General,  a  Brigadier-General,  the  Vice- President,  Members 
of  the  Cabinet,  the  Chief  Justice,  the  President  of  the  Senate,  the 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  American  or  Foreign 
Ambassadors,  Governors  within  their  respective  States  and  Ter- 
ritories, the  Assistant  Secretary  of  War,  American  or  Foreign  En- 
voys or  Ministers,  Officers  of  the  Navy  of  the  assimilated  rank  of 
Brigadier-General  or  higher,  Officers  of  Marines,  Volunteers,  and 
Militia,  when  in  the  service  of  the  United  States  when  of  the  rank 
of  Brigadier- General  or  higher,  and  to  officers  of  foreign  se vices  if 
of  the  rank  of  Brigadier- General  or  higher.  Paragraph  375,  A.  R. 


1 20          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

15.  On  the  march,  the  colors  are  ordinarily  carried  cased.  In 
camp,  during  fair  weather,  the  colors  are  displayed  in  front  of  the 
tent  of  the  Colonel,  flying  free  from  reveille  to  retreat.  At  retreat, 
they  are  cased  and  removed  to  the  Colonel's  tent. 

The  color  sergeants  are  charged  with  the  duty  of  attending  to  this. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  121 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
Tim  PROVOST  SERGEANT. 

1.  The  provost  or  police  sergeant  is  the  assistant  to  the  police 
officer  of  the  post  or  camp.     He  is  usually  selected  from  among  the 
noncommissioned  officers  of  the  regiment  on  account  of  his  energy, 
trustworthiness,  and  known  ability  to  control  and  direct  the  labor 
of  men. 

2.  Under  the  police  officer,  he  is  in  direct  charge  of  the  work  of 
all  prisoners  at  the  post.     He  is  also  in  charge  of  the  work  of  all 
general  and  special  fatigue  parties,  and  is  held  responsible  for  the 
proper  police  of  the  post  or  camp. 

3.  At  a  designated  hour  each  day,  generally  after  recall  from 
fatigue,  he  reports  to  the  police  officer  for  instructions  as  to  the 
work  for  the  following  day.     At  the  same  time,  he  makes  report 
concerning  the  progress  of  police  or  other  work  under  way. 

4.  At  fatigue  call  he  is  present  at  the  guard-house  and  assigns 
the  prisoners,  under  proper  guard,  to  tasks  of  general  and  special 
police  work.     He  also  takes  charge  of  the  fatigue  parties  and  assigns 
them  to  work. 

5.  During  the  day  he  visits  all  working  parties  frequently,  to 
see  that  they  are  working  according  to  instructions  and  that  they 
do  not  shirk.     He  also  makes  inspection  after  the  completion  of 
work  to  see  that  it  has  been  properly  done. 

6.  He  may  be  placed  in  charge  of  the  delivery  of  fuel  and 
illuminating  supplies. 

7.  On  board  transport,  under  the  police  officer,  he  has  charge 
of  the  various  police  details  and  will  supervise  the  police  of  all  parts 
of  the  ship  occupied  by  troops,  especially  the  parts  used  in  common, 
such  as  baths,  latrines,  and  wash-rooms.     He  will  see  that  troop 


122  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

decks  are  swept  clean  each  morning,  and  the  mess  decks  after  each 
meal. 

8.     In  a  post  or  camp  of  any  considerable  size,  the  provost 
sergeant  is  usually  furnished  a  mount. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  123 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

REGIMENTAL  COMMISSARY  SERGEANT. 

1.  The  regimental  commissary  sergeant  is  a  member  of  the 
regimental  noncommissioned   staff.     He   is   selected   by   the   regi- 
mental commander,   preferably  from  noncommissioned  officers  of 
the  regiment  who  are  most  distinguished  for  efficiency,  excellence 
of  character,  gallantry,  and  soldierly  bearing.     He  is  usually  as- 
signed to  duty  in  the  subsistence  department  at  the  post  where  the 
regiment  is  serving,  or  he  may  be  assigned  to  such  other  duties,  not 
inconsistent  with  his  rank  and  position,   as  the  regimental  com- 
mander may  order. 

2.  In  the  field  he  assists  the  regimental  commissary  in  mak- 
ing issues  and  in  caring  for  the  property  for  which  the  regimental 
commissary  may  become  responsible. 

3.  He  should  have  a  thorough  knowledge  of  all  the  papers  per- 
taining to  the  subsistence  department,  so  that  he  is  able  to  assist 
the   commissary   in   preparing   returns,   reports,   etc.,   required   to 
be  rendered. 

4.  He  should  be  familiar  with  the  care  and  preservation  of 
subsistence  stores  and  property — that  is,  how  stores  are  arranged 
in  the  store-room  and  the  method  of  caring  for  same.     This  being  a 
very  important  part  of  his  duties,  he  should  carefully  study  all  de- 
tails pertaining  thereto.     He  should  be  a  good  store-keeper  as  well 
as  a  clerk,  and  always  bear  in  mind  that  troops  depend  upon  the 
commissary  for  susbsistence,  especially  in  the  field. 

LIST  OF  REPORTS,  RETURNS,  ETC.,  RENDERED  BY  THE  COMMISSARY. 

Account  Current:  Form  i,  is  a  report  of  all  public  funds  for 
which  the  commissary  has  been  accountable  during  the  period  cov- 
ered. It  is  supported  by  numerous  other  forms,  showing  expend- 


1 24          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

itures  and  receipts.  It  is  forwarded  to  the  Commissary-General  not 
later  than  the  loth  of  each  month. 

Return  of  Subsistence  Stores:  Form  19,  is  a  consolidated  state- 
ment of  all  stores  for  which  the  commissary  was  accountable  during 
the  period  covered.  It  is  forwarded  to  the  Commissary-General  not 
later  than  the  loth  of  each  month. 

Return  of  Subsistence  Property:  Form  30,  is  a  form  similar  to 
the  return  of  subsistence  stores.  It  covers  a  period  of  six  months 
ending  June  3oth  and  December  3ist.  It  is  forwarded  to  the 
Commissary-General  not  later  than  July  loth  and  January  loth. 

Requisition  for  Subsistence  Stores  and  Funds:  Form  41,  is  one  of 
the  important  papers  rendered  by  the  commissary.  The  period  for 
which  stores  and  funds  are  called  for  is  designated  by  the  chief  com- 
missary of  the  department;  the  amounts  usually  called  for  being 
based  on  previous  consumption  for  same  period.  On  this  form  is 
also  entered  the  amount  of  stores  on  hand  at  the  end  of  each  month, 
and  the  amount  received,  shipped,  gained,  saved,  and  condemned 
during  the  month,  and  the  amount  consumed  during  the  past  period 
for  which  the  requisitions  call  for.  From  the  commissary  book  the 
consumption  of  the  various  articles  is  readily  figured  and  used  as  a 
basis  for  the  monthly  requisition.  The  requisition  is  submitted  to 
the  post  commander  for  approval  on  the  first  day  of  each  month,  and 
should  be  forwarded  to  the  chief  commissary  on  the  same  day. 

Requisition  for  Subsistence  Property:  Form  30,  is  for  authorized 
articles  of  subsistence  property  and  will  be  made  out,  semi-annually, 
on  January  ist  and  July  ist,  for  periods  of  twelve  months,  and 
mailed,  after  approval  of  the  post  commander,  to  the  chief  com- 
missary, not  later  than  the  i5th  of  the  month  in  which  made.  A 
careful  inventory  of  all  property  on  hand  will  be  taken  before  the 
requisition  is  made. 

Requisition  for  Blanks:  Form  44,  is  for  blank  forms  to  be  used 
by  commissaries.  In  the  United  States,  at  posts,  arsenals,  and  in 
the  field,  this  requsition  is  forwarded  to  the  Commissary-General; 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  125 

in  the  Philippines,  to  the  Chief  Commissary  of  the  Division.  Such 
requisitions  should  be  made  ordinarily  for  a  seven-months  supply 
for  a  garrisoned  post,  beginning  June  ist  and  December  ist,  and 
should  be  mailed  direct. 

Office  Records  Consist  of  the  Following:  Correspondence  book,  a 
document  file,  order  file,  a  sales  book,  cash  book,  commissary  book, 
inventory  book,  and  such  memorandum  books  as  may  be  found 
necessary. 


126  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

REGIMENTAL  QUARTERMASTER  SERGEANT. 

1.  The  regimental  quartermaster  sergeant  is  appointed  by  the 
regimental  commander  on  the  recommendation  of  the  regimental 
quartermaster.     The  appointment  is  generally  made  from  the  older 
noncommissioned  officers,  the  selection  being  made  from  those  con- 
versant with  the  papers  of  the  Quartermaster's  Department  and  the 
care  of  property,  and  is  also  a  reward  for  faithful  service. 

2.  He  assists  the  quartermaster  in  preparing  estimates,  requi- 
sitions, reports,  returns,   and  other  papers  -  pertaining  to  the  de- 
partment, and  in  receiving,  shipping,  and  issuing  property.     If  there 
is  a  post  quartermaster  sergeant  stationed  at  the  post,  these  duties 
are  divided,  each  taking  charge  of  some  special  part  of  the  work. 

3.  He  should  familiarize  himself  with  Army  Regulations  and 
current  orders,  especially  those  that  pertain  to  the  Quartermaster's 
Department  and  to  money  and  property  accountability;  also  with 
the  circulars  issued  from  time  to  time  from  the  office  of  the  Quarter- 
master-General. 

MONEY    ACCOUNTS. 

4.  Money  accounts  are  rendered  monthly,  direct  to  the  Quar- 
termaster-General, and  should  be  mailed  by  the  loth  of  the  ensuing 
month. 

The  principal  money  papers  are  as  follows: 

Form  No.  6,  Account  Current This  form,  with  its  various 

vouchers,  should  show  all  funds 
received  and  disbursed  for  the 
period  rendered. 

Form  No.  26,  Invoice  of  Funds Used  in  all  transfers  of  funds. 

No  receipt  is  given  unless  the 
transfer  is  in  cash. 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  127 

Form  No.  25,  Abstract  C For  convenience,  all  funds  trans- 
ferred to  officers  on  Form  26  are 
entered  on  this  form,  and  totals 
only  under  each  appropriation  are 
carried  to  the  account  current. 
With  slight  alterations  in  the 
headings,  this  form  is  also  used 
when  necessary  for  funds  re- 
ceived from  officers. 

Form  No.  7,  Abstract  of  Funds  received  from  sales  to  officers. 

Form  No.  45,  Account  of  Sales  at 

Auction Used  only  when  sales  of  con- 
demned quartermaster 's  supplies 
are  made  by  order  of  an  inspector. 

Form   No.    8,    Abstract   of   Pur- 
chases      For   convenience,    all   vouchers 

for  purchases  are  entered  on  this 
form  under  the  several  appropria- 
tions, and  totals  only  are  carried 
to  the  account  current. 

Form  No.  10,  Voucher  for  Pur- 
chases   This  form  is  used  for  all  pur- 
chases, except  for  articles  for  which 
a  special  form  is  provided.  It  is 
the  only  purchase  voucher  ordin- 
arily used  by  post  quartermasters. 

Forms  31,  31  a,  and  316,  Report  of 

of  Purchases On  these  forms,  assembled,  all 

articles  purchased  during  the 
month  are  entered  in  alphabetical 
order,  and  all  items  purchased  are 
carried  to  the  return  of  quarter- 
master's supplies. 


128          Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

Form   No.    n,   Abstract  of   Ex- 
penditures      For   convenience,    all   vouchers 

for   expenditures   are   entered   on 
this  form  under  the  several  ap- 
propriations, and  totals  only  are 
carried  to  the  account  current. 
The  principal  vouchers  entered  on  Form  1 1  are : 

Form  No.  12,  Receipt  Roll This  form  is  generally  used  when 

more  than  one  permanent  em- 
ployee is  paid  from  any  appro- 
priation. Separate  rolls  should 
be  made  for  civilian  employees 
and  extra  duty  men,  and  distinct 
groups  under  the  several  item 
numbers  of  each  appropriation. 

Form  Ncx  13,  Individual  Voucher 

for  Services This  form  is  used  for  temporary 

services,  either  personal  or  non- 
personal,  and  may  be  used  for 
permanent  employees  when  only 
one  person  is  paid  from  a  certain 
appropriation  or  when  payment 
is  made  for  only  a  part  of  a  month. 

All  payments  made  on  the  above  vouchers  (12  and  13),  either  per- 
sonal or  non-personal,  are  reported 
to  the  Quartermaster-General  on 
Form  No.  i.  An  original  and  du- 
plicate are  prepared  at  the  com- 
mencement of  services,  and  the 
original  transmitted  with  the  first 
account  current.  The  duplicate 
is  retained,  all  payments  made  are 
noted  thereon,  and  when  the  ser- 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  129 

vice  is  completed  or  the  employee 
is  relieved,  discharged,  or  for  any 
other  reason  leaves  the  service,  it 
is  forwarded  with  the  first  account 
current.  In  cases  where  the  ser- 
vice commences  and  terminates  in 
the  same  month,  both  copies  are 
transmitted  as  above. 

Funds  received  from  sales  to  officers  or  at  auction  are  placed  in  a 

designated  depository,  to  the  cred- 
it of  the  Treasurer  of  the  United 
States,  under  the  several  appro- 
priations. A  duplicate  certificate 
of  deposit  is  received,  which  is 
filed  with  the  retained  papers. 

Form  No.  28,  Estimate  of  Funds __     This  form  is  used  in  estimating 

for  all  funds  required  for  payment 
for  supplies  purchased  and  is  sub- 
mitted whenever  necessary. 

Form  No.  146,  Request  for  Funds 

for  Services This  form  is  used  in  asking  for 

all  funds  required  for  payment  for 
services,  either  personal  or  non- 
personal.  For  payment  of  per- 
manent employees  it  is  submitted 
on  the  first  of  the  month  for  such 
funds  as  are  required.  For  other 
expenses  it  is  submitted  when  re- 
quired. 
RETURN  OF  QUARTERMASTER'S  SUPPLIES. 

This  form,  No.  27  (front  cover),  27 a  (original  return),  276  (duplicate 

return),  and  27^  (back  cover), 
when  assembled,  shows  all  prop- 


130  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

erty  on  hand  at  the  beginning  of 
the  quarter,  all  property  received, 
transferred,  issued,  and  expended 
during  the  quarter,  and  on  the  bot- 
tom line  all  property  remaining  on 
hand  at  the  close  of  the  quarter. 
It  is  rendered  quarterly,  within 
twenty  days  after  the  close  of  the 
quarter.  No  abstracts  are  used, 
all  vouchers  being  entered  directly 
on  the  return. 

Some  of  the  principal  vouchers  are  as  follows: 
Form  No.  117,  Combination  In- 
voice and  Receipt This  form  is  used  in  all  transfers 

of  property  and  is  also  used  as  a 
shipping  invoice  and  receipt. 
Form    No.    65,    Requisition    for 

Clothing Submitted    by    company    com- 
manders when  clothing  is  required 
for  issue  to  the  men  of  their  com- 
panies. 
Form    No.    38,    Requisition    for 

Fuel Submitted  monthly  for  expend- 
itures for  enlisted  force  at  post. 
Form   No.    38a,    Requisition   for 
Forage,    Straw,    and    Mineral 

Oil Submitted  monthly  for  expend- 
itures for  public  animals  and  en- 
listed force  at  post. 
Form  38^,  Issues  of  Fuel,Forage,  Straw,  and  Mineral  Oil  to  Officers. 

Submitted  monthly. 
Form  No.  41,  Requisition  for  Sta- 
tionery      Submitted  quarterly  for  organ- 


Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers.  131 

izations  and  as  required  for  other 
purposes. 

Form  No.  43,  List  of  Q.  M.  Supplies  Expended.     Submitted 

monthly. 

Supplies  other  than  those  purchased  are  received  on  estimates  and 

requisitions,    submitted   generally 
at  stated  periods. 
The  principal  estimates  are : 

Form  No.  53,  Estimate  of  Cloth- 
ing   Submitted  quarterly.  On  Janu- 
ary ist  an  estimate  is  submitted 
for  the  quarter  ending  June  3oth. 
On  April  ist  an  estimate  is  sub- 
mitted for  the  quarter  ending  Sep- 
tember 3oth,  etc.  Care  must  be 
taken  in  compiling  this  estimate 
to  prevent  an  accumulation  of 
sizes  of  articles  not  often  asked  for. 

Form  No.  61,  Estimate  of  Lamps, 

Lanterns,  Oils,  etc Submitted   quarterly,   forty-five 

days  before  beginning  of  period 
for  which  supplies  are  needed. 

Form  No.  95,  Estimate  of  Table- 
ware and  Kitchen  Utensils Submitted  quarterly,  forty-five 

days  before  beginning  of  period  for 
which  supplies  are  needed.  The 
number  of  each  article  allowed  is 
fixed  by  general  orders,  and  es- 
timates are  generally  made  to  re- 
place similar  articles  expended  by 
organizations  under  their  annual 
allowance  for  breakage,  and  those 
charged  against  enlisted  men. 


132  Handbook  for  Noncommissioned  Officers. 

Form  No.  60,  Requisition This  form  is  used  in  estimating 

for  all  supplies  for  which  a  special 
form  is  not  furnished.  When 
used  as  a  quarterly  requisition,  it 
is  submitted  forty-five  days  before 
the  period  commences  for  which 
the  supplies  are  required.  It  is 
also  used  as  a  special  requisition 
when  the  exigencies  of  the  service 
require  supplies  the  need  of  which 
could  not  be  foreseen  when  the 
quarterly  estimates  were  prepared. 

5.  :  In  addition  to  the  foregoing  papers,  there  are  numerous  re- 
ports required  at  stated  intervals,  such  as  report  of  water  supply, 
report  of  fire  apparatus,  report  of  progress  of  public  buildings,  report 
of  typewriting  machines,  etc.,  and  at  posts  where  a  Government  boat 
is  stationed,  a  monthly  report  of  public  service  rendered,  quarterly 
report  of  cost,  etc. 

6.  Bills  of  lading  and  transportation  requests  are  issued  as  re- 
quired.    Circular  proposals  for  supplies  or  services,  together  with 
the  necessary  plans  and  specifications,  are  prepared  when  required. 

7.  The  principal  books  and  records  of  the  Quartermaster's  De- 
partment are,  a  correspondence  book,  a  cash  book,  record  of  inter- 
ments,  descriptive  book  of  public  buildings,   descriptive  lists  of 
public  animals,  file  of  letters  received,  copies  of  all  accounts,  re- 
turns, and  reports  rendered,  and  of  all  estimates  and  requisitions 
submitted. 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 


AN  INITIAL  FINE  OF  25  CENTS 

WILL  BE  ASSESSED  FOR  FAILURE  TO  RETURN 
THIS  BOOK  ON  THE  DATE  DUE.  THE  PENALTY 
WILL  INCREASE  TO  5O  CENTS  ON  THE  FOURTH 
DAY  AND  TO  $I.OO  ON  THE  SEVENTH  DAY 
OVERDUE. 


J(/N  in  ion 

371704 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


